By Maroof Asudemade
This is a call to reclaim the worth of women. If care is not urgently applied, there’s a worrying development that promises to stay with us for longer. It’s how promiscuity has become scattered pennies that both men and women are no longer shameful to advertise their promiscuity.   What’s more worrying is that the victims of this terrifying trend but who are yet to see themselves as victims are women.

There is a troubling cultural shift unfolding in plain sight. It is often dismissed as “freedom” but, upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper erosion of values. The normalization and even celebration of promiscuity in modern society has created an environment where intimacy is trivialized, self-worth is externalized, and dignity is increasingly negotiable. While both men and women participate in this trend, its consequences weigh disproportionately on women, who often bear the emotional, social, and long-term repercussions.

At the heart of this issue lies a dangerous confusion between empowerment and exploitation. True empowerment uplifts, protects, and dignifies. It does not reduce a person, especially a woman, to a consumable object measured by desirability or sexual availability. Yet, through social media, entertainment, and peer validation, many young women are subtly encouraged to equate attention with value, and exposure with confidence. This is not liberation; it is a repackaging of objectification in more socially acceptable terms.

Equally concerning is the role some men play in reinforcing this dynamic. When women are treated primarily as means of gratification rather than individuals of substance, it reflects a broader moral decline. But it would be incomplete to place blame solely on one side. A culture thrives on mutual reinforcement. When women begin to internalize and project these reduced standards of self-worth, the cycle deepens and becomes harder to break.
The tragedy is not merely in the act of promiscuity itself, but in its normalization; its transformation into a badge of modern identity rather than a personal choice with consequences. A society that loses its sense of modesty and restraint risks losing its moral compass altogether. And when dignity is no longer valued, exploitation inevitably fills the void.

Redeeming the dignity of women requires deliberate and collective effort.

First, there must be a cultural reorientation; one that redefines what is admirable. Character, intelligence, discipline, and purpose should once again take precedence over fleeting physical appeal. Families, schools, and communities must actively instil these values early, ensuring that young girls grow up understanding their worth beyond appearance or male validation.

Second, mentorship and role models matter. Society needs more visible examples of women who command respect through substance rather than spectacle. When success stories are rooted in achievement, resilience, and integrity, they offer a healthier template for younger generations.

Third, men must be held accountable, not only for how they treat women, but for what they reward and encourage. Respect must replace entitlement. Genuine admiration must replace superficial desire. A man’s character is revealed not by how many women he attracts, but by how he values and respects them.

Fourth, women themselves must reclaim agency in its truest sense. This means setting boundaries, rejecting validation that comes at the cost of dignity, and refusing to conform to standards that diminish their worth. Empowerment should not be performative; it should be rooted in self-respect and long-term well-being.

Finally, media and digital platforms must be challenged. While freedom of expression is important, there must also be responsibility in what is promoted and normalized. Content that degrades or objectifies should not be the dominant narrative shaping societal values.

This is not a call for repression or moral policing. It is a call for awareness, responsibility, and a return to values that uphold human dignity. Women are not objects to be displayed, consumed, or discarded. They are individuals of immense value, deserving of respect, protection, and honor.

If society is to progress meaningfully, it must not lose sight of this truth. The dignity of women is not just a women’s issue; it is a reflection of the moral health of the entire society. When that dignity is preserved, society thrives. When it is compromised, the consequences are far-reaching and enduring.