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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

I understand 'runs' but women must grow beyond survival choices, says Shaffy Bello

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified Context piece
  • Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello expressed understanding for women involved in transactional relationships, known as 'runs,' but urged them to seek personal growth.
  • She stated that women do not need to resort to revealing their bodies or seeking online attention to be considered attractive or successful.
  • Bello shared her perspective during an interview, emphasizing self-worth and the importance of moving beyond survival-driven choices.

Veteran Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has offered a nuanced perspective on the phenomenon of transactional relationships, commonly referred to as 'runs,' stating she understands the circumstances that lead some young women into such arrangements. However, she strongly advises against remaining in this lifestyle, emphasizing the critical need for personal growth and recognizing self-worth beyond mere survival.

There are too many children out there, too many babies my age younger that needs my voice that needs to hear that the seeds that you sow matter.

— Shaffy Belloaddressing the need for positive role models for young women.

Speaking on The Morayo Show, Bello addressed the pressures faced by many young women, asserting that they do not need to compromise their dignity or resort to overt displays of sexuality to achieve recognition or success. "You don't have to show your boobs to be sexy," she stated, adding that viral fame or attention should not be pursued by "shaking your bum bum."

No, you don’t have to show your boobs to be sexy. No, you don’t have to shake your bum bum to go viral or get attention.

— Shaffy Belloadvising women against using their bodies to gain attention.

Bello acknowledged the financial hardships that can push women into transactional relationships, citing the need to support families or pay school fees. "If what you're doing now is being a runs girl to make money, you don't have to stay there. I understand it. I'm not knocking you. I never judge," she said. Despite this empathy, she implored, "However, my darlings, don't stay there. You are more than that."

And if what you’re doing now is being a runs girl to make money, you don’t have to stay there. I understand it. I’m not knocking you. I never judge.

— Shaffy Belloexpressing empathy for women in transactional relationships.

Reflecting on her own career, Bello reiterated her commitment to acting, viewing it as her calling. She expressed a desire to use her platform for meaningful impact rather than solely pursuing financial gain, stating, "Money is not everything." Her comments have sparked widespread discussion online, with many debating the pressures of economic hardship, societal expectations, and the influence of online visibility on women's choices.

If that’s what you have to do right now, if that’s what you have to do to make a living, some girls are doing it because they need to feed mum. They need to send their aburo to school. I understand it. However, my darlings, don’t stay there. You are more than that.

— Shaffy Bellofurther explaining her understanding of the pressures leading women to transactional relationships.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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