Nollywood Filmmaker Aniebiet Francis Laments Societal Judgement Faced by Unmarried Women

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

Renowned Nollywood filmmaker, Aniebiet Francis, has taken to social media to address societal stereotypes and judgement often faced by unmarried women, particularly in her home state, Akwa Ibom.

In a post she made on social media, she criticised what she described as a common belief that women in their late thirties who remain unmarried are either without suitors or struggling with depression.

“It seems only in Akwa Ibom do people assume that every unmarried woman in her late thirties lacks suitors or is depressed,” Francis remarked, attributing such views to “illiteracy, poverty mentality, or lack of exposure.”

Francis expressed her dismay over the societal pressure placed on unmarried women, often leading to harmful assumptions about their personal lives.

She pointed to a recent scandal in Equatorial Guinea as a humbling lesson for those quick to judge, hinting that a person’s marital status does not guarantee moral integrity.

“While some label unmarried women as ‘worthless’ or ‘hook-up girls,’ they ignore potential misconduct within marriages.

A spouse could be engaging in indiscretions at work, a married sibling could be involved in scandalous activities, or even a pregnant cousin could be engaging in inappropriate relationships,” she warned.

Francis urged her followers to prioritise their own lives, careers, and personal development, stating, “The moral of the story is that not all that glitters is gold.

Focus on your life, career, and business. Leave people’s marital status alone; you don’t need their marriage certificates to buy cheap fuel or cheap rice.”