'I scarred my six children by using skin-lightening creams'

BBC - Mar 24th, 2025
Open on BBC

In northern Nigeria, a mother named Fatima, under familial pressure, used skin-whitening products on her six children, resulting in severe burns and discoloration. This practice, driven by societal and familial preference for lighter skin, led to significant physical and social consequences for her children, including discrimination and rejection by potential suitors. Fatima's story highlights the widespread use of these harmful products in Nigeria, where 77% of women reportedly use them.

The cultural practice of skin bleaching in Nigeria and other African countries often involves harmful substances like corticosteroids, hydroquinone, or mercury. Despite the known health risks, many mothers continue to use such products on their children, influenced by deep-rooted beliefs equating light skin with beauty and social status. Nigerian authorities are attempting to curb this dangerous trend through education and regulatory enforcement, yet the practice persists. Fatima now advocates against the use of these products, hoping her experience will prevent others from making the same mistakes.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a compelling narrative about the use of skin-whitening products in Nigeria, combining personal stories with broader societal implications. It is well-supported by credible sources and effectively highlights the health risks and cultural pressures associated with these practices.

While the article is mostly accurate and timely, it would benefit from additional verification of some claims and the inclusion of more diverse perspectives to enhance its balance. The narrative is clear and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience and likely to spark meaningful discussions.

Overall, the article successfully raises awareness about a significant public interest issue, with the potential to influence public opinion and contribute to ongoing cultural debates. However, its impact on policy changes may be limited without further advocacy or follow-up reporting.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a detailed account of the use of skin-whitening products in Nigeria, focusing on the adverse effects experienced by a mother and her children. The claim that 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products is attributed to the WHO, which adds credibility to the statistic. The story also accurately describes the harmful ingredients in these products, such as corticosteroids and mercury, and their potential health impacts, aligning with known research on the subject.

However, some claims, like the exact prevalence of these practices, especially among children, and the state's response, such as declaring a state of emergency, would benefit from additional verification. The personal story of Fatima, while compelling, is anecdotal and should be supported by broader data or studies to enhance its factual reliability.

Overall, the article is mostly accurate but would benefit from further corroboration of some claims, particularly those regarding the regulatory environment and the broader societal impact of skin-whitening practices in Nigeria.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by highlighting both the cultural pressures that drive the use of skin-whitening products and the negative health consequences. It includes perspectives from individuals like Fatima and professionals like Zainab Bashir Yau, offering a range of viewpoints.

However, the article could improve its balance by including voices from regulatory agencies or medical professionals who could provide insights into the efforts being made to combat the issue. Additionally, perspectives from those who oppose the use of these products for cultural or health reasons could add depth to the narrative.

The story predominantly focuses on the negative aspects, which are crucial, but a more nuanced exploration of why these practices persist despite known risks could provide a more comprehensive view.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure that guides the reader through the personal story of Fatima and the broader implications of skin-whitening practices. The language is accessible and free of jargon, making it easy for a general audience to understand.

The narrative is logically organized, starting with a personal anecdote and expanding to include statistical data and expert opinions. This structure helps maintain reader engagement and ensures that the information is presented in a coherent manner.

Overall, the article is highly clear, with effective use of language and structure to convey its message.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible sources such as the WHO for statistical data, which enhances its reliability. The inclusion of firsthand accounts from individuals like Fatima and insights from professionals like Zainab Bashir Yau adds authenticity to the narrative.

However, the article would benefit from citing additional authoritative voices, such as government officials or healthcare experts, to provide a more rounded perspective. This would ensure that the information presented is well-supported across different areas of expertise.

Overall, the source quality is strong, but the inclusion of more diverse and authoritative sources would further bolster the article's credibility.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its storytelling, clearly attributing statistics to the WHO and identifying the personal account of Fatima. The narrative is straightforward about the cultural pressures and health risks associated with skin-whitening products.

However, the article could improve transparency by detailing the methodology behind the statistics cited, such as how the WHO gathered the data. Additionally, explaining the criteria for selecting the personal stories and expert opinions featured would enhance the article's transparency.

While the article is generally clear about its sources and the basis of its claims, providing more background on how the information was gathered would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://www.sepe.gr/en/news/22554408/skin-lightening-creams-in-nigeria-i-scarred-my-six-children/