Sophia
What does life as a woman or girl look like in your part of the world? What roles do women play in your society?
Women are mostly second-guessed at everything, hardly into any leading positions; politically or otherwise. They are mostly seen as insufficient and weak. Meanwhile, we are the opposite of it all.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women empowerment and/or gender equality today?
Platform. I think we are robbed of any means to show what we are capable of or what we can offer.. we are mostly neglected and tossed around. So for me, it’s a platform.
OK, tell us all about yourself. Who are YOU & what should the world know about you?
My name is Sophia Benjamin, from River State Nigeria. I was born into a family of four girls to a single parent. Life as a teenager was a living nightmare as I was shuffled from one parent to another… longing for love and care. I began to adapt to things that naturally would have been avoided by my family. I was always emotionally down and this deprived me of a lot of positive and productive things that would have happened a long time ago. But [eventually] I found myself and I’m working hard to make sure I never have to face that part of my life again.
Describe yourself in one word: "I am... Independent.
What are you most passionate about and what are you doing with that passion?
I am passionate about art. I couldn’t study it but it’s a career path I have chosen. I am also a model and an entrepreneur - I started my own business at age 20. I love to explore, and I am a fashion designer, so watching people wear my ideas through clothes makes me feel so accomplished and at peace.
What are some of the most notable events (milestones) that have happened in your life to date?
First would be the launch of my brand - AUXCEEGYN; it was indeed a memorable day for me. I got to produce really amazing pieces and tell my story and creativity through fashion. The second was finally overcoming my anxiety issues of never measuring up or being enough for people; I finally understood that I matter and I am whatever I make of myself. My future is mine and it’s whatever I write that people would get to read. My life is in my hands.
What obstacles have you faced and overcome?
Anxiety like I said; I grew up withdrawing from society, from friends, and everything. I had really low self-esteem and confidence. I always thought I wasn’t loved so it was really a big issue growing up. The second would be the fear of failure; I have come to understand that in order to succeed, I have to succumb to fear and make it my friend because without it then my success isn’t valid. If I fail I try again; no matter how much I fail.
Looking externally into the public sphere, what female public figure inspires you the most to achieve your dreams & why?
Tiffany Haddish. Not only is she a funny woman, she is also strong and an exact example of hard work. Her story inspires me every day to never stop being productive and to be my best self.
What's your definition of success?
To me success is not how much I have gained over the years; it is how well I kept on struggling and pushing for the best. Success is indeed the ability to embrace failure and to keep pushing.
How have the women and girls around you helped you to get to where you are today?
I love to surround myself with people that are much older and wiser, so I am mostly around women of impact no matter how little, with women and girls that know what they want and are eager to pursue their dreams.
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or a woman today, is to be..."
Strong, persistent, and ready for greatness.