Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has condemned the cultural and social conditioning that teaches young women to accept shame and remain silent instead of speaking out against injustice or recognizing their value.

Speaking in Abuja during a mentorship and interactive session marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central said it was time for society to unlearn traditions that encourage women to suppress their voices and internalize blame.

“It’s important to discover who I am as a girl. Many of us grow up without truly connecting with ourselves or understanding our identity,” she said. “From childhood, society defines and shapes us, leaving little room to think independently. Before you can define your goals, career, or the change you want to make, you must first know who you are.”

Reflecting on the social expectations that limit women’s potential, the senator stated, “Women have been taught to bear shame, accept blame, and stay silent. But that narrative ends with us. We must be bold, fearless, and determined to break barriers and rise beyond limitations.”

The event, titled “An Evening with Senator Natasha” and themed after the global campaign “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” brought together more than 50 young women from across Nigeria for a session of mentorship, reflection, and empowerment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her vision extends beyond politics, noting that she would only feel fulfilled when her efforts bring lasting transformation to underserved communities.

One of the guest speakers, anti-human trafficking advocate Yakubu Oyiza Hope, shared her powerful story of surviving abduction, violence, and banditry before becoming an advocate for victims of abuse and exploitation.

Participants described the session as “inspiring and transformative,” urging the senator to establish a structured mentorship platform to continue empowering young women.

The event concluded with a renewed call for women to embrace self-awareness, confidence, and leadership while challenging restrictive cultural norms.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently returned to the Senate on October 7, following a six-month suspension that drew national attention over issues of legislative authority, gender equality, and due process.

She was suspended on March 6, 2025, after protesting the removal of her nameplate and reassignment of her seat in the chamber by Senate President Godswill Akpabio — an act she described as an attempt to silence her.

During the suspension, her salary, allowances, and security were withdrawn, her office was sealed, and she was barred from legislative duties.

After a federal high court ruled the suspension unconstitutional, her office was eventually reopened in late September. When plenary resumed after a 10-week recess, she returned to the Senate alongside a few supporters and colleagues, officially resuming her legislative responsibilities.