Nollywood actress Bukunmi Oluwasina has sparked discussion online after calling the widely used phrase “women supporting women” a scam, claiming that most of the solidarity displayed among women in the Nigerian film industry is not genuine.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, the award-winning actress and singer explained that while many women in Nollywood publicly preach sisterhood and unity, their support often doesn’t last or hold true when it really matters.
According to Bukunmi, many women find it easier to help men than to support their fellow women. She noted that some would willingly lend money to a man to start a business but would hesitate to do the same for another woman.
“You know say women supporting women for Nollywood na scam. E no dey always long. Even if dem support each other, we know how e dey, but we dey see the men and dem dey do am. Everybody know say woman enemy na fellow woman,” she said.
Oluwasina clarified that she doesn’t necessarily blame anyone for this mindset, suggesting that it reflects a deeper societal issue about how women relate with each other—not just in Nollywood, but in other industries too.
“No be only for Nollywood. Women supporting women, at some point you go just see am. Even if dem talk say e dey happen, you go feel am say na scam. E no dey happen, and even if e happen, sometimes e no dey genuine,” she added.
The actress further lamented how hardworking women in the industry who achieve success through talent and dedication are often undermined. She said their achievements are frequently dismissed by claims that every successful woman must have a “sponsor.”
“Women dey industry wey no get sponsor, dem dey do the work, the work dey show, we know dem, we see dem and their work. But na other people wey dey under their shadow dey use am run their thing, dey water down those women effort, making it look like everybody get sponsor,” she stated.
Bukunmi’s remarks have reignited conversations about authenticity, envy, and gender dynamics in Nollywood, with many agreeing that true female solidarity remains rare in the industry.
