Famous Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw has publicly praised Senator Natasha Akpoti, who represents Kogi Central, for her bravery amid an ongoing dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when the two senators clashed during a plenary session over seating arrangements, leading to a heated confrontation.
Following this altercation, the Senate took action by referring Natasha to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for what was deemed disorderly conduct during the session. In a subsequent interview on Arise Television, Natasha accused Akpabio of targeting her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances. This accusation escalated the situation further, and on March 5, 2025, Natasha submitted a formal sexual harassment petition against the Senate president during another plenary session.
In response to these developments, Kate Henshaw took to social media to commend Natasha for her resilience and refusal to succumb to outdated beliefs regarding women’s roles in society. Sharing a picture of Natasha on her Instagram page, Henshaw declared her as her “Woman Crush Wednesday” (WCW) and emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s strength and capabilities.
Henshaw’s post conveyed a powerful message about the historical context of women’s struggles. She stated, “We forget so readily how far we have come. We forget our lineage, history, and strength. We are told we are weak, spineless, and cannot think. We accept the new role foisted on us, the subtle submission imposed by religion, society, and tradition.”
She further criticized societal norms that undermine women’s agency, saying, “They tell us we can’t govern, we can’t rule, we can’t make our own decisions. They tell us to shut up and sit down. Women, like children, are to be seen and not heard.” Henshaw passionately highlighted that in many species, females often exhibit greater strength and tenacity than males, reinforcing her belief that women are the descendants of formidable warriors.
Through her support for Natasha Akpoti, Kate Henshaw not only champions the senator’s courage but also advocates for the empowerment of women, urging society to recognize and celebrate their contributions and capabilities. This incident underscores the ongoing dialogue about gender equality and the challenges women face in political and social spheres.
