A cleric, Mrs Helen Ulinfun, says cultural expectations and misinterpreted religious teachings are fuelling identity crisis in women.
She called for a shift toward self-awareness and truth-based doctrines.
Ulinfun, Vice-President of Verbatim Christian Network and Convener of Woman Revealed Conference, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
According to Ulinfun, many women had lost a clear sense of who they are due to long-standing misconceptions about their roles in the society.
“There is a misrepresentation, misunderstanding, misinterpretation, all as a result of ignorance,” she said,
According to her, the distortions have been reinforced overtime, particularly within religious circles which should ideally provide clarity.
She said that flawed teachings had shifted women’s focus from identity to duty, adding that many women measured their worth by what they did, especially for others, not by who they had been.
She added that the mindset had been reflected in prayer patterns, where women prioritised praying for their spouses over personal growth.
“Women go to church not to pray for themselves. It is always: how do I get my husband to come back home?
“How do I get my husband to love me more?” she said.
The cleric said there was need for women to rediscover their identities from their spiritual foundation rather than seeking external validation.
“The truth really is not what she does, first. It is who she is,” she said.
Citing biblical references, she said that one’s purpose and influence should be rooted on knowledge and spiritual grounding.
“You can only give what you have. If you do not know who you are in God, what are you giving out?” she asked.
Ulinfun cautioned against societal pressures that shaped women’s self-perception.
She highlighted the need for balance in relationships, noting that scriptural teachings emphasised mutual responsibility.
“A lot of men will tell you: I am the head; therefore, submit, but the scripture admishes us to submit, one to another,” she said.
Ulinfun urged women to embark on self-discovery through reflections, learning and spiritual growth.
“Take out time to find out who you truly are, not from what others have said,” she said.
She emphasised that personal awareness would help women to regain their identities and contribute meaningfully to the society.
