International Women’s Day: 5 Nollywood Films with Leading Female Characters Challenging Societal Expectations

There’s no better time than now to celebrate the evolution of the film industry in Nigeria. While it’s no secret that the industry is male-dominated, we are witnessing the emergence of leading female characters from various ages, ethnicities, tribes, and professions. These characters are portrayed with powerful performances that resonate with Nigerian women, with relatable on-screen representations.

In honour of International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to celebrating women and highlighting gender inequalities, we’ve put together a list of Nigerian movies featuring brilliantly written leading female characters that we not only admire but also serve as a source of inspiration to many women.

These films celebrate the achievements of women and also challenge the societal expectations that often hinder women’s progression

Awarun (Sola Sobowale) – “Anikulapo”

In an exclusive interview with BellaNaija, when Sola Sobowale was asked which part of the character, Awarun, she related to the most, she said, “Her independence.”

Set in an ancient era where women were typically dependent on men for sustenance and expected to desire marriage and be married, Awarun’s character defied the norms and cultural expectations. She embraced self-sufficiency – running a ceramics factory, owning a thriving business, holding a chief title and setting boundaries in her relationships with men. Awarun’s determination to carve her path in a heavily patriarchal environment sends a powerful message of empowerment and resilience.

Watch her describe Awarun here