Mary Njoku says women’s independence is learned, not preferred, urging reflection on why some women appear self-reliant

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Remmy Njoku has challenged the popular narrative of the “independent woman,” explaining that women’s self-reliance is often a response to circumstances rather than a personal preference.

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Njoku shared her perspective in a post on her official Instagram page on Wednesday.

The founder of ROK Studios stated that no human truly desires to navigate life alone.

“We become independent when we don’t have dependable people around us,” she wrote, adding that independence is usually learned in the absence of reliability.

Njoku cautioned against labelling women as overly self-sufficient without understanding the reasons behind their behaviour.

She encouraged consistent support and trust-building as a way to soften the perceived strength into reliance.

“So before labeling a woman as ‘independent’ or ‘overly self-sufficient,’ it’s worth asking why. Are you dependable?” she asked her followers.

Fans reacted strongly to Njoku’s message, with many relating to her perspective, while others debated the broader societal expectations placed on women.

The discussion reflects ongoing conversations about gender roles, personal agency, and the realities of emotional support in modern relationships.

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The actress’s comments highlight that independence is often born from necessity rather than desire, challenging a stereotype that has long shaped perceptions of women in professional and personal spheres.