From kitchen to world stage:

Hilda Bacci smashes Stereotypes in epic cookathon

Anybody who is somebody has been talking about the phenomenal feat Hilda Bacci achieved. Its been all over the news.

In our feminist blog, it's natural to wonder how Hilda Bacci's cookathon relates to feminism.

The answer lies in her transformative approach. Hilda has taken the chains that the patriarchy has historically used to shackle women—particularly through cooking—and ingeniously transformed them into precious jewelry.

Now that we've established the feminist perspective on Hilda Bacci's cookathon, let's delve deeper into the societal significance of cooking in Nigeria and how it becomes a yardstick for measuring a woman's value."

Cooking, in Nigeria, holds immense societal significance, serving as a yardstick to judge a woman's value.

Regrettably, not possessing culinary skills is often regarded as an insult and a source of shame.

While it is important to acknowledge that cooking is a valuable skill for anyone, regardless of gender, These people's idea of being able to cook is making all sort of cuisines and knowing how to pound yam.

Essentially, if a woman does not willingly endure hardship while cooking, she is considered as not being 'wife material'.

In this article, I will delve deeper into Hilda Bacci's courageous journey and explore how her actions challenge the patriarchal norms tied to cooking, ultimately making a profound statement about feminism in Nigeria."

We've already established that cooking is a tool used by the patriarchy to hold women down. How? You might ask

Women are socialised into thinking that their worth is inherent in how many dishes they can cook and how well they can satisfy a man's hunger.

Men, on the other hand are socialised to think that cooking is a 'woman's job' and that if a woman cannot cook then she must be lazy and useless.

But of course if a man can't cook, it's because it doesn't come naturally to men.

Apparently cooking is a woman thing. It's embedded in our DNA (note the sarcasm)

Women that can't cook are often insulted and shamed and the words 'who will marry you?' are often branded and used against us.

And because we've been socialised to think that marriage is the ultimate goal and that our sole purpose in life is to serve a man and our family. It bothers us deeply.

"In recent years, however, women have been pushing back against these gendered norms, reclaiming their agency, and refusing to let cooking define their worth.

Some women have also gone further to use this chain of cooking to make money and garner attention.

Women like sisi yemmie, sisi jemmimah, ify's kitchen and so many more.

However, one woman has captured the attention of everyone—Hilda Bacci and her record-breaking cookathon."

I don't know if she meant it as a feminist statement, (but I'm taking it as one) but she took something that has been used and abused by men. She took it and made it hers. She changed the rules. In fact, she changed the game.

KoWhile women have made significant strides in reclaiming agency and transforming cooking into a source of empowerment, it's important to acknowledge that this journey has not been without its challenges and dangers."

It has not been easy, The pursuit of culinary independence has tragically exposed women to danger and violence, as evidenced by the alarming incidents such as women have been killed for refusing to cook for their husbands or preparing a meal their husbands didn't like."

These incidents remind us that the patriarchy's influence on women extends far beyond societal expectations, infiltrating even the most intimate and everyday aspects of their lives, like cooking.

Hilda Bacci's record-breaking cookathon gains immense significance in this context. Her achievement challenges the existing norms, igniting conversations about the necessity for change and equality

In conclusion, Hilda Bacci's record-breaking cookathon has ignited a powerful conversation about feminism in Nigeria.

Hilda challenges societal norms and highlights the need for change and equality. The significance of her achievement extends beyond the culinary realm, shedding light on the pervasive influence of the patriarchy in women's lives, even in the most intimate aspects like cooking.

Let us join hands in dismantling the chains of oppression and striving for a future where every woman's worth is not confined to the kitchen but celebrated in all aspects of life.