The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed worry about the pervasive objectification of women and sexualization of children in Nigerian skits in recent times, cautioning that the harmful portrayals and repulsive content perpetuate dangerous stereotypes, validate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, and foster a culture of misogyny, discrimination, sexism and violence in the country.
In a statement issued in Lagos, CAPPA noted with grave concern, numerous instances where these comic videos not only objectify and demean women but also exploit the innocence of children for entertainment purposes.
For instance, on Sunday, April 9, 2023, two comedians namely: Simigo and Ezebueze posted a now-deleted viral clip featuring a two-year-old girl child who was the subject of an inappropriate sexual scenario and subsequently abused by an adult male, depicted as a landlord in the video.
Similarly, on April 4, 2023, @Viral TV1 posted a video on Facebook featuring a distressed and undressed hotel secretary who was pleading with a man filming her to stop. It was learnt that the individual had initially engaged the woman in a consensual arrangement, but as soon as she removed her clothes while inside a room with him, he revealed that the entire situation was a prank, and a third party was recording. Subsequently, he shared the footage, pontificating on her morals and those of Nigerian women more broadly. These are just but a few out of numerous similar videos uploaded daily online in Nigeria.
These comedy skits have crossed the line of human decency and morality, and we must urgently confront the glaring issues they promote. The sexualization of minors and dehumanization of young women in these videos is particularly disturbing, as inappropriate and offensive jokes are made about their bodies, clothing, and behaviour. This pattern trivializes and holds the potential to ultimately normalize the issue of child exploitation and violation of people’s right to dignity”.
Furthermore, these skits often dehumanize and stigmatize sex workers, perpetuating the harmful notion that they are unworthy of respect or basic human rights. By portraying them as valid targets for ridicule and abuse, the entertainment industry contributes to their vulnerability and exploitation. In addition to these issues, the use of derogatory language and crude humour in these skits demeans women and reinforces toxic masculinity, ultimately contributing to a culture of violence and sexual harassment of women and girls.
We are unequivocally calling on Nigerian comedians, scriptwriters, producers, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), media practitioners and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry to take immediate and tangible action to put an end to these harmful practices promoted in videos. It is the responsibility of all involved in the creative process to use their platforms for positive change and to inspire a more inclusive, equitable, and respectful society.
By ceasing the production and distribution of content that objectifies, dehumanizes, or sexualizes women and children, and committing to comedy that is free from discrimination and exploitation, we can create a positive change. It is also crucial to hold those responsible for creating and promoting such content accountable by implementing clear guidelines and consequences. Additionally, ongoing dialogue and collaboration with women, children, gender rights advocates, and other stakeholders are essential to genuinely consider and integrate their perspectives and experiences into the creative process.
The Nigerian comedy industry should also strive to develop educational initiatives that raise awareness about the negative impact of harmful comedy content and actively promote mutual respect, empathy, and equity within the industry and beyond. By doing this, we can create an entertainment landscape that uplifts, empowers, and reflects the rich diversity of human experiences.
