Nigerian Women Reclaim Joy and Freedom in Female-Only Festivals

In the face of societal inequalities and limited public safe spaces, Nigerian women are carving out their own sanctuaries.

American sociologist, Ray Oldenburg, popularized the concept and importance of third spaces. According to Oldenburg, a third space is a place that facilitates social interaction but is separate from your home (first place) and work (second place) life. In Oldenburg’s philosophy, public gatherings that cultivate a sense of community without the pressure of perfection are essential for individual well-being. In other words, the act of taking time to relax, unwind and connect with others is an essential requirement for becoming a healthy, well-rounded person. Third spaces come in different forms. For some, it’s happy hour at a bar with colleagues after work, for others, it’s a visit to an arcade, a group meeting at a cafe, browsing through a bookstore, attending rave parties and festivals, or dancing at a club. Whatever form it takes, the common theme is shared interests in a relaxed setting.

The importance of third spaces was inadvertently emphasized as a fallout of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. As self-isolation and social distancing guidelines were tightened, people yearned all the more for the social connections they had once taken for granted. Following the relaxation of lockdown regulations after the pandemic, there was a renewed desire to rebuild social ties and foster a sense of community that had been disrupted by prolonged isolation.

Unfortunately, access to third spaces in Nigeria has become increasingly limited as a result of socioeconomic challenges. Food prices rose from an inflation rate of 23.75 per cent in December 2022 to 40.66 per cent in May 2024, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria. Consequently, the costs of eating out have drastically risen.

Public social spaces are also enduring a sinking customer base as a result of the financial crunch. Nightclubs are going out of business, movie theatres were forced to double the prices of their tickets and gym subscription fees and dues are more expensive than ever. Even the use of social media as an alternative form of escapism is no longer possible for many, as the cost of smartphones and data continues to rise...