The prevailing notion among many men, and even some mothers, is that women are cunning, deceitful, manipulative, and not entirely deserving of trust. This stereotype persists across societies, particularly in Nigeria, where women are often scapegoated for a range of issues. For instance, the death of a husband, especially if he is wealthy, is frequently attributed to the wife, with suspicions that she acted out of greed to inherit his property. This has given rise to sayings like “fear woman” and “don’t trust women”, reflecting deep-seated biases that paint women as inherently untrustworthy.
In some communities, women are unjustly labeled as synonymous with infidelity. It is even argued that trying to prevent a woman from cheating is as futile as stopping smoke from escaping a burning house. This pervasive stereotype is further reinforced by popular culture. For example, songs by Geordie Johnny Johnson and Nik Clovsky have popularized the phrase “no good woman,” portraying women as deceitful in romantic relationships.
Attempts to defend women against these subjective narratives are often met with accusations of bias or playing to the gallery. For instance, during media reports of corruption allegations against former Nigerian ministers Sadiya Umar Farouk, Dr. Betta Edu, and Halima Shehu, critics hastily concluded that corruption is “the way of women.” They drew parallels with former petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, overlooking the overwhelming number of men charged with corruption daily. Historically, men have dominated leadership positions and are statistically more likely to face corruption charges, yet the focus disproportionately falls on women when they are implicated.
Similarly, broader crime statistics show that men are significantly more involved in crimes such as armed robbery, drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, terrorism, and domestic violence. Yet, society often ignores this disparity when vilifying women.
Even when women are involved in criminal activities, evidence suggests that their actions are often influenced by men. Many women adopt certain behaviors or attitudes to meet societal expectations or please their partners. For example, prostitution—a commonly criticized “sin” of women—would not exist without the large-scale patronage of men. The phenomenon of “side chicks,” normalized and even glorified in some circles, further highlights this dynamic.
It is also worth noting that societal pressures often push women into difficult positions. For example, many women seek early marriage to meet men’s preference for younger brides. Others face immense pressure to conceive or bear male children, ignoring the scientific reality that men determine the sex of a child. Such pressures can drive women to make desperate decisions, often judged harshly without understanding the underlying causes.
Research in criminology and sociology consistently shows that men are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than women. Factors such as social learning, economic pressures, and societal expectations contribute to this trend. Men are socialized to take risks and display aggression, which can lead to criminal behavior. Economic inequality and peer influence further exacerbate this issue.
Even psychological factors, such as higher testosterone levels, impulsivity, and risk-taking tendencies, increase men’s likelihood of committing crimes. Substance abuse and mental health issues, more prevalent among men, also play significant roles.
Historically, women have been the most oppressed and vulnerable group, contributing to the perception of a “man’s world.” Patriarchal systems have emphasized male dominance, limiting women’s access to education, employment, and leadership opportunities. This has perpetuated gender inequality and reinforced cultural narratives that favor men.
Despite these barriers, women have continually adapted to societal demands. For example, many women wear sports jerseys or watch football not out of personal interest but to align with their partners’ passions. This illustrates how women often shape their behaviors to conform to men’s expectations, both good and bad.
It is therefore evident that much of the criticism directed at women stems from the actions and influence of men. Prostitution, for instance, thrives because of male patronage. Similarly, societal pressures on women to conceive or bear male children are often driven by men and their families.
Thus, the idea of a “no good woman” is deeply flawed. For every so-called “no good woman,” there is likely a “no good man” who has played a role in shaping her choices or circumstances. Blaming women without addressing the broader societal and gender dynamics ignores the root causes of these issues.
In conclusion, the narrative of women as inherently deceitful or manipulative is not only unfair but also ignores the larger context of gender relations and societal pressures. Instead of perpetuating the myth of the “no good woman,” it is essential to recognize that behaviors often attributed to women are shaped by the actions, expectations, and pressures of men. In reality, the idea of a “no good woman” is a reflection of the flaws in the men and the society around her.
