The History in How Women Shaped the #EndSARS Protests

A few days after the protests began, an image of Aisha Yesufu, an activist speaking at the protests in Abuja circulated on social media. In full hijab and with her fist in the air, many started calling her the new Statue of Liberty. A few people said in praise, ‘This woman is a man,’ meaning she is too courageous, too significant to be just a woman. The statement, however, is ironic for several reasons.

The sustenance of the #EndSARS protests was largely thanks to a group of women who identify themselves as The Feminist Coalition. On October 8, podcaster Feyikemi ‘FK’ Abudu tried to crowdfund N40,000-50,000 to feed protesters at Alausa, Ikeja, one of the earliest protest locations. The donations never stopped gushing in. People became inspired by the Alausa protests and quickly organized in their communities. The Feminist Coalition or ‘FemCo’ took up the responsibility of managing the funds, eventually supported about 180 protests across Nigeria, and meticulously accounted for every kobo spent. The group’s efforts are familiar when we consider the history of demonstrations in Nigeria.