Stella
What does life as a woman or girl look like in your country/city/town/village? Any issues/challenges/milestones?
In my country, we've been at crossroads for years... Trying to decide whether to move forward or backwards, whether to make gender equity a reality or to stay in the dark ages. In my country, women are treated as less than they should be... Never looked upon to lead or be voted for. But called upon to support politicians who pay no attention to progressive women's rights. As a woman in Nigeria, I'm constantly told that gender inequality doesn't exist, yet there are things a woman is expected not to do. Everyday, women like me try to reconcile these words with reality.
What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?
I'm passionate about writing. My poems have been a way of expressing every emotion I feel. I write about pain, love, and loss, and even things that I've not experienced. I share my writing on social media platforms namely WhatsApp and Instagram. I believe my writing inspires people... And let's them know that they're not alone in the world.
How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?
The women and girls have helped me immensely. My mother has been sponsoring my education and has encouraged me to aspire to be the best I can be. My friends have supported me and we share similar experiences as women everyday. It makes me stronger knowing that I have females around me that I can relate to.
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today, is to be..."
constantly faced with challenges and to fight for a better world every day.