Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh alarm has been raised over the unchecked sexual harassment of women in Nigeria, with Nollywood actress Shine Rosman pointing to the notorious Yaba market in Lagos as a prime example of a public space where inappropriate touching and groping have become a disturbingly normalised daily occurrence. During an interview with Tolu Afilaka, Rosman described sexual harassment in crowded markets as a "passive" yet widespread problem that is met with complete impunity, questioning when the country will stop treating such violations as inconsequential. Rosman, a Nigerian‑Canadian actress and model, spoke passionately about the alarming rise of harassment in public places, lamenting how incidents in busy marketplaces often go undocumented and receive little public attention.
Referring specifically to the bustling Yaba market in Lagos, she declared, "Do you know how bad sexual harassment is in Lagos? Like go to Yaba, as a girl and see how you will be touched inappropriately." She insisted that this is not a hidden issue, adding, "Everybody hearing this knows that it is true. But till today, nothing is being done about it." The actress highlighted the frustrating cycle of silence and inaction, stating that women walking through Yaba are often subjected to unwanted physical contact without any fear of consequences for the perpetrators. "You're walking in Yaba and people are touching you inappropriately and nothing will happen," she said.
Rosman described sexual harassment as "one of Nigeria's most passive but widespread social problems," arguing that the lack of accountability has allowed the behaviour to persist unchecked. She noted that many Nigerians are aware of the situation but rarely speak about it or demand action from authorities. Rosman framed the issue not just as a public nuisance but as a societal indicator of deeper danger. She questioned the safety of women in the country, arguing that if a man can brazenly harass a woman in broad daylight in front of a crowd, it signals the likelihood of far worse abuse occurring in private, unwitnessed spaces. "If a man can sexually harass you casually during the day, what do you think he can do behind closed doors when no one is looking?" she asked, calling for stronger awareness and enforcement measures.
Frustrated by the lack of visible action against offenders, Rosman insisted that the persistent problem continues to erode women's confidence in seeking justice and their sense of security in public places. She demanded to know when the government would act, asking, "If the government is not going to do anything, is it not ok for us to defend ourselves?" The actress spoke against the normalisation of harassment, stating that it is an issue no one pays enough attention to, and questioned the safety of women in the country, noting that worse things can happen to them in private spaces.
Rosman's comments have sparked renewed conversations online about women's safety, accountability and the urgent need for stronger responses to harassment in Nigeria. Her outburst reflects a growing frustration among Nigerian women who face daily battles with societal expectations, abuse and a lack of institutional support. As one of the country's most promising young stars, her voice adds weight to the demands for structural change in how public spaces are policed. The conversation also touches on the recent protest by Regina Daniels over physical abuse, with activists noting that street harassment is often the visible tip of a far more dangerous iceberg of violence against women.
While the Lagos State Government has previously launched initiatives like the "She's Safe, Lagos is Safe" campaign, the enforcement of these policies remains weak. The Yaba market, known for its chaotic, overcrowded conditions, has become a symbol of institutional failure to protect women in public. As Rosman's warning reverberates across social media, the fundamental question remains: how many more women must be violated before the brazen normalisation of this crime is finally shattered?
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