Feminist advocate, Dr. Ella Ezeadilieje, has declared that women no longer need men for survival, sparking controversy on social media.

She also emphasised that marriage today should be driven by love, compatibility and shared purpose, not financial dependence.

According to her, the dynamics of marriage have changed because more women have become financially independent and entrepreneurial.

Speaking on the Honest Bunch podcast, she said, “Men married strategically. Women used to marry because, ‘I love him.’ Shut up. Now, the tables have turned,” she said.

According to her, there was a time when women relied on men for virtually everything, from opening bank accounts and renting houses to buying cars and even meeting basic needs.

“You don’t need a man. You should want a man, not need. Then, it was need. To survive, you needed a man. Now, women are becoming entrepreneurial, women are making money,” she stated.

She noted that with many women now able to support themselves, financial considerations are less important when selecting a life partner.

“I have the money. I don’t need to marry for it. I don’t need to live with my abuser,” she said.

Reflecting on past societal practices, Ezeadilieje lamented that women were once treated as commodities and sometimes used to settle debts or strengthen family alliances.

“They were using women to settle debt. They used us as legal tender. They used us to cement business dynasties. Nobody cared whether this man is a terrible man, just marry him.”

She mentioned that modern women now inquire about different qualities before marriage, such as whether a man is kind and supportive of their dreams.

“We’re no longer marrying for survival. We are marrying to build wholesome families. We are marrying to push ourselves,” she concluded.