Let’s be real! being a woman in this world is not easy. Every single day, women wake up and do the impossible, and somehow, society still acts like it’s normal. Like say na their birthright to suffer in silence, hustle tirelessly, and keep everything together without breaking a sweat.
From the market woman who wakes up at 4 a.m. to feed a whole community, to the young lady fighting her way through male-dominated industries, to the mother who sacrifices her dreams so her children can have a shot at theirs—women dey try. And that’s not even including the countless women who battle harassment, discrimination, unrealistic expectations, and gender stereotypes, all while smiling like everything is alright.
But today, on International Women’s Day, we need to ask: When do women get to rest? When do they get their flowers, their appreciation, their “well done” without “but you’re a woman, it’s your job” hanging over their heads?
The Myth of the “Strong Woman”
Forget all that “strong woman” talk for a second. Yes, we are strong, but we are also human. Strength doesn’t mean we don’t get tired. It doesn’t mean we don’t need support. It doesn’t mean we should carry the weight of the world while the world watches.
Being a woman shouldn’t feel like a permanent hustle. It shouldn’t come with unpaid labor, endless sacrifices, and the pressure to be perfect. Women should be allowed to make mistakes. To rest. To prioritize themselves without guilt.
When a man provides for his family, society claps for him—calls him a responsible man. When a woman does the same, they say, “Ah, she’s trying, but hope she’s still submissive?” “She too dey chase money; will she have time for marriage?” “She’s too independent; no man will want her.”
Abeg, make it make sense.
Give Women Their Flowers—Now, Not Later
Women deserve to be celebrated while they are alive, not just when they die. Not just when they’ve burnt themselves out proving their worth. Not just when they have sacrificed every dream, every ambition, every personal need to serve others.
- Pay women what they deserve—at work, at home, everywhere. “She’s a woman” is not an excuse to underpay or overwork someone.
- Respect women’s choices—whether she wants to marry or not, have kids or not, stay at home or chase her career.
- Stop policing women’s bodies and decisions—what to wear, how to behave, when to settle down.
- Teach boys to respect women, not just tell girls to be careful.
Women no be superheroes. We are not here to carry the whole world on our backs. Yes, we are resilient. Yes, we are powerful. But most importantly, we are enough—just as we are.
So today, to every Nigerian woman hustling, breaking barriers, and refusing to be boxed in—we see you. You no be superhero, but you are phenomenal. And you deserve your flowers, now and always. Happy International Women’s Day!
