Nollywood has never shied away from portraying strong, independent women who rise above the odds to take control of their lives. In recent years, several movies have highlighted the growing power of women in financial independence, challenging societal norms and showing that #HerMoneyHerPower is not just a trend but a powerful movement.
Her Money, Her Power—a dynamic campaign crafted by The She Tank in partnership with BellaNaija and Big Brother Naija—will spotlight five central themes centred around the power of economic independence. The campaign will emphasize the role of economic power as a foundation for gender equality, showcasing how financially empowered women lead in reshaping narratives. It will also explore the traits of economically empowered women, the urgency of shifting gender norms to foster women’s advancement, and the positive ripple effects that such empowerment has on families, communities, and society at large.
This powerful collaboration aims to inspire women to realize the limitless potential that comes with financial independence and its ability to drive both personal and societal transformation.
Today, with greater access to information and a global push for financial independence, women are boldly claiming their economic power. From driving economic growth as entrepreneurs to influencing policy and leading businesses, women’s financial autonomy is reshaping communities and economies worldwide. Figures like Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala, the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, exemplify how economic leadership can inspire and transform societies.
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Here are ten Nollywood movies that perfectly capture this theme:
1. King of Boys (2018)
In this gripping political drama, Sola Sobowale shines as Eniola Salami, a woman who starts from the streets and rises to power in the male-dominated world of Nigerian politics and organized crime. Her wealth and influence give her the leverage to battle powerful enemies, proving that financial power is the ultimate equalizer.
2. Chief Daddy (2018)
This hilarious comedy revolves around a wealthy man’s extended family fighting over his fortune after his death. One of the standout characters, Tinu (Funke Akindele), a self-made woman with her own money, doesn’t hesitate to show that her success speaks for itself. Her independence in the face of family drama demonstrates that her financial strength gives her control over her life.
3. The Smart Money Woman (2020)
Adapted from Arese Ugwu’s best-selling book, this series focuses on a group of friends navigating careers, relationships, and personal finances. Each character showcases how important financial independence is for women, but none more than Zuri, who learns to manage her money and build her wealth after experiencing a financial crisis. It’s a perfect example of how #HerMoneyHerPower plays out in everyday life.
4. The Set Up (2019)
In this thriller, Chike (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) uses her intelligence and financial resources to survive a web of deceit and betrayal. Her ability to outmaneuver powerful forces proves that having money not only grants freedom but also the power to influence outcomes and make decisions in life-altering situations.
5. Isoken (2017)
This romantic drama is a fresh take on the pressure women face to marry. Isoken (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) is a successful career woman who stands her ground, showing that her financial independence allows her to live life on her own terms. She challenges the societal belief that a woman’s worth is tied to marriage, reminding everyone that true power comes from within—and from owning your financial freedom.
6. Lionheart (2018)
In Lionheart, Adaeze Obiagu, the executive director of her family’s transport company, showcases her financial prowess when her father falls ill. Adaeze successfully negotiates key investments, saves the company from a financial crisis, and secures essential contracts. Her financial strength is the lifeblood of the company, proving that economic independence is key to overcoming challenges in business. A Lionheart without Adaeze’s financial power would be a failed one.
7. Citation (2020)
In Citation, Ibukun Awosika, playing herself, showcases how economic power enables women to challenge societal norms and protect justice. When Professor N’Dyare attempts to undermine a young female panel member by flaunting his academic credentials, Ibukun counters by listing her own impressive qualifications, ensuring that he cannot intimidate her. Her professional stature and economic success empower her to stand up against misconduct and advocate for justice.
8. Wives on Strike 2 (2019)
In Wives on Strike 2, domestic violence is portrayed as a severe issue exacerbated by the victims’ lack of economic power. When a woman is murdered by her husband, her friends come together, using their limited resources to seek justice. They hire a vigilante to extract a confession from the perpetrator, stepping in where traditional systems fall short. Studies show that increasing a woman’s economic power can reduce her risk of violence, as financial independence lessens her dependence on abusive partners. Without economic power, many women feel trapped in or return to abusive relationships.
The women’s collective action and advocacy for systemic change demonstrate how economic power can drive social justice and political activism. The film also highlights the support provided by the deceased woman’s friend, who takes in her daughter and helps her find her voice.
9. Breaded Life (2021)
A bread seller, Todowedo, manages her small business by purchasing bread from the bakery and selling it throughout the day. This independent venture allows her to support herself, covering her rent and personal expenses without relying on local bigwigs like Jobe or the bakery owner, Jugunu, who have made advances toward her. Her financial self-sufficiency is evident in her ability to help others, such as accommodating Sunmi when he is stranded and introducing him to the bakery owner for employment opportunities. In Breaded Life, we see Todowedo’s economic autonomy through her resilience and capacity to support and uplift others within her community.
10. Adire (2023)
In “Adire,” when Asari decides she’s had enough of her oppressive pimp, Captain, who treats her as nothing more than a commodity, it’s her newfound financial independence that gives her the strength to break free. Asari reinvents herself as Adire and successfully starts her own business, demonstrating how economic empowerment enables her to reclaim her identity and chart her own path. The film illustrates that financial power is not just about wealth—it’s about the ability to take control of one’s destiny and shape one’s future on one’s own terms.
These Nollywood films showcase women not only as the backbone of their families but also as individuals with the ability to control their own destinies through financial empowerment. #HerMoneyHerPower isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a reality that Nollywood continues to portray with authenticity and strength.
