Nollywood actress Bukunmi Oluwasina has described the popular saying “women supporting women” as a scam, arguing that genuine female solidarity is rare in the movie industry.
In a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, the actress and mother of one stated that the idea of women consistently supporting each other in Nollywood barely exists. According to her, while many women publicly display support for one another, the backing often fades when it truly matters.
Oluwasina explained that, in many cases, women are more willing to help men than their fellow women. She noted that some women do not hesitate to lend money to men to start businesses but would be reluctant to extend the same help to another woman.
The actress clarified that she does not blame anyone for this behaviour but believes it highlights a deeper social problem among women. She emphasized that the issue is not unique to the entertainment industry but can be seen in various sectors.
Oluwasina further remarked that, despite claims that women uplift one another, much of that support tends to be superficial or short-lived.
She also praised the hardworking women in Nollywood who have achieved success without relying on sponsors, lamenting that their efforts are often overshadowed by stereotypes suggesting that every successful woman must have someone funding her achievements.
She said: “You know say women supporting women for Nollywood na scam. “E no dey always long. Even if they 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.
“If you follow one woman talk, you go hear them talk say dem fit borrow man money make e start business, but to borrow fellow woman money make she start business e dey always hard. I no know how the thing dey like that. I no fault anybody, but e just dey.
“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.
“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.”