Domestic violence: Cultural, religious institutions are ‘creators’ of gender, not Nollywood – Hilda Dokubo

Legendary Nigerian thespian, Hilda Dokubo, has reaffirmed the school of thought that men and women are created equal and that neither one is superior to the other.

In incidents of marital abuse, Hilda Dokubo argued that religious beliefs and culture could not be completely blameless.She also claims that Nollywood is not to blame for domestic violence prevalent in society. She said:

”Cultural and religious institutions are the ‘creators’ of gender. They are the ones who say, ‘this is male and female; and that one is superior while the other is inferior’. God never classified men and women that way. Men and women were created equal.

“Traditional and religious leaders need to ensure that everybody is protected, including children. People should not be made vulnerable or exposed to danger because of the things they (religious and traditional leaders) approve. Whatever is approved stays and whatever stays becomes a tradition.”

“The portrayal has always been according to the culture being depicted in the movie. We (Nollywood) mirror society and proffer solutions. I don’t think Nollywood is solely responsible for how women are treated.”

Asked if she considers leaving an abusive marriage to be the solution to domestic violence, the actress said:

“It depends on what the abuse is. My first option is not to leave your home. My first option will be to speak to the abused or the abuser. That is if the abuse is verbal, financial, psychological or emotional. If that is the case, I will let the abuser understand that the abused is can no longer take the abuse. The reason is that since people don’t know that their spouse is being hurt by their actions.

“But, if it is physical abuse, my advice is that the person should leave the environment completely. The actions of a man who can hit a woman cannot be predicted. Such a person needs mental evaluation.”