Leonora Okine discusses domestic violence and the Shuga comic

Leonora Okine, who plays Malaika in Shuga TV explains what she really thinks about her character in the comic.

By now, we’re sure you all know about the Shuga Comic book, which develops on the story of Nii and Malaika from the Shuga TV show.

We got up close and personal with Leonora Okine, who plays Malaika in the Shuga TV series, to talk about her character and domestic violence in African households.

Shuga: How do you think the Shuga comic book can help young people?
Leonara Okine: This comic book is going to not just entertain, but inform young people that they should respect women the same way they respect men in the society and that it is unacceptable for a man to beat a woman under “disciplinary measures” and I’m all for it.

S: What can people do to spread awareness of gender-based violence in Nigeria?
LO: Everybody knows what it is. The next step is how do we help people experiencing this kind of violence? I think Malaika’s story in Shuga is an activist story. I think we need to let people know where women can go to for help if they experience such violence, where to get proper counselling, and how these women can build strong legal cases against perpetrators of gender-based violence.

And possibly, have organisations that can help these women financially, for those who are financially dependent on their husband and are then afraid to leave home; after so many years of not being in control of their financial income.

S: So are there any actions that Malaika’s friend, Sophie, took in the comic that you agree or disagree with?
LO: I like that Sophie was very independent and could make her own decisions. Her intentions were very noble towards Malaika’s survival. She wanted Malaika to be stronger and more independent from her husband emotionally. Although, some of Sophie’s suggestions ended up causing Malaika more harm than good.

S: In a wider context, what do you think the barriers are for women in African households looking for support when facing gender-based violence?
LO: Lack of education [knowledge] on women’s rights, whether as a married woman or as a girlfriend. In African households, if you live with your man for a certain number of years, you are seen as married. There aren’t enough recognised ogranisations that can provide information on these legal rights. We need organisations that will educate women who have gone through violent relationships.

S: Why do you think a show like Shuga is important, what’s its unique-selling point?
LO: Everything. Not only is it entertaining, but the drama is shot well, and I like the storylines, I found it hard to even watch Baby’s storyline in Shuga: Love, Sex, Money because the story was hard-hitting.

S: If you could choose any point in the comic book to speak to Malaika, at which point would it be and what would you have said to her?
LO: It would have been the very first night she gets beaten up by Nii. I would say, “If he did it once, he will do it again”. If you’re not sure if you want to leave him, you can both get counselling, and if he rejects it, that will then be a good time to walk away. It would be a good time to call your parents and see if they can help you through school instead of relying on an abusive partner.

For videos of Leonara Okine talking about here role as Malaika in Shuga, click here