There’s really no such thing as an “independent woman.” No human truly wants to do life alone – Actress Mary Remmy Njoku

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Remmy Njoku has stirred thoughtful debate on social media after sharing her views on the idea of the “independent woman.”

In a post shared on her Instagram page on Monday, the actress argued that true independence is often born out of necessity, not desire, stressing that no human being genuinely wants to navigate life alone.

According to Mary, many women become independent not because they set out to be, but because they lack dependable people they can rely on. She suggested that independence is sometimes a survival response rather than a lifestyle choice.

“There’s really no such thing as an ‘independent woman.’ No human truly wants to do life alone,” she implied, pointing to the importance of support systems, partnership, and shared responsibilities in life.

Her comment has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that interdependence is natural and human, while others defended independence as empowerment and self-sufficiency.

As expected, the post has ignited conversations around relationships, gender roles, emotional support, and what independence truly means in today’s society.

What do you think — is independence a strength, a shield, or simply a response to circumstances?