Nigerian media personality Toke Makinwa has ignited a debate on infidelity, asserting that women are as prone to cheating as men, and potentially more so, due to their superior ability to conceal their actions. Makinwa shared these candid views on her “Toke Moments” podcast, challenging the widely held perception that men are the primary perpetrators of infidelity.
Her perspective suggests that while men often expend significant resources like money, time, and energy to maintain extramarital affairs, women can find infidelity more accessible. Makinwa explained that women are frequently approached, and their decision to engage or not depends on personal choice and discipline, rather than a lack of opportunity.
This viewpoint leads Makinwa to believe that many women who remain faithful do so out of personal strength and self-control, not because they lack the capacity or temptation to stray. She argued that society’s tendency to solely attribute cheating to men overlooks the constant pressures and opportunities women face in relationships.
Makinwa clarified her often-misinterpreted stance that cheating is not an automatic dealbreaker. She emphasized that this position is not an endorsement of infidelity but rather a reflection of her evolving understanding of human behavior and a more mature outlook on relationships as she ages.
She further elaborated that societal norms unfairly place the burden of infidelity solely on men, failing to acknowledge that women also encounter numerous temptations. Makinwa cited examples like the potential for a “work boyfriend” to blur boundaries if personal discipline falters, highlighting the universal nature of such risks.
“When I say cheating is not a dealbreaker, people think I’m encouraging it. That’s not the case,” Makinwa stated, pushing back against misinterpretations. “As I grow older, I realise it’s not only men who can cheat. Why do we make it seem like men are special?”
Detailing the ease with which women can engage in infidelity, Makinwa observed, “Do you know how easy it is for a woman to cheat? It’s even easier for us. Men will spend money, effort, and time, but women are just receiving.” This observation underpins her assertion of women’s equal, if not greater, propensity for infidelity.
She concluded by reiterating that a woman’s fidelity is often a testament to her inner strength rather than an absence of opportunity. “A woman not cheating is not because she cannot cheat. It’s probably because she has strength,” Makinwa posited, reinforcing her core argument about female discretion and resilience.
Makinwa’s comments have elicited a spectrum of responses online, with some commending her forthrightness and others engaging in vigorous debate about her perspectives on relationships and faithfulness. Her insights prompt a re-examination of societal assumptions surrounding infidelity and gender roles.
