by Binti Mohamed Zani I feel like I should start this off with an apology. I apologise that despite promising myself that I’d write to you sooner, it has taken me this long to get to it. I wish I could get you to answer and listen to you tell me your opinion so far on this roller coaster called life, but since I’m not sure when this letter will...
Continue reading...In Our Own Voices
Embrace your own personal development
When you hear the term ’Personal Development’, what does it mean to you? Some people think of boring old lectures dictating to us how to live our lives. Some people are scared of it. Some think it involves too much reflection or do not want to face some deep memories buried inside of them. While some think it’s some modern life, “woke” rubbish, others regard it as too abstract for...
Continue reading...Standing on the shoulders of Giants
by Sophia Ayana Sometimes it’s hard to leave behind what you’ve always known or what you’ve been told to know, in the hopes of finding something better or chase a dream you’re having. In the journey of doing so, breaking generational cycles, following your own dreams and ideas, even your own people will call you crazy. It takes a certain flame inside of you to eventually make these bold decisions,...
Continue reading...On Society and Women: “I Still Fight”
by Priscilla Taiwo There has recently been a big controversy over the tragic demise of a well-known Nigerian gospel singer, allegedly due to domestic abuse by her husband. Perhaps this is because the news hit our worlds in a new way — the fact that this woman had a ‘golden voice’ and so much talent. The news attracted different opinions and while it is important for people to give their...
Continue reading...My Igba nkwu ceremony (Part 2)
This blog post concludes Juliet Chekwube’s story about her traditional marriage ceremony in Igbo land of Nigeria. Read the first part here: Igba nkwu – keeping up with the demands of tradition. When the Igba nkwu day finally arrived, a total of 72 cartons, crates and kegs of assorted drinks – beer, mineral, small stout, malt and palm wine – were presented to my Umunna, according to the list of...
Continue reading...Tackling Gender Bias for Equity and Sustainability on African Campuses
(A conversation with Priscilla Taiwo, current student at a university in Nigeria) Priscilla: We often hear complaints about how “feminist” girls and women are becoming. Zibah: Yes, I heard them quite a lot when I was conducting research on the welfare of female students in African universities. I think some of the comments are from people who may feel threatened or just may not understand what it means. Priscilla: The...
Continue reading...The world of mixing vigorously
by Perpetua Omeke The featured image portrays an AFFIRM in-house joke: “From Moi-moi to Genius” 😉 that Priscilla and I came up with in our constant discussions about SKILLS. We will write a blog post about it some other time but for now, here’s Perpetua’s post on the subject. It was one of the entries from #TheCompleteWoman writing contest. If you graduated from a tertiary institution in Nigeria, you will...
Continue reading...“Hustling to escape poverty”
The year 2021 was filled with many highs as well as lows – aren’t they all? Life is always like this. And for some, it was a whole lot better than the other year that should not be mentioned…2020 (sshhhh!!!) Thinking back now, there is one highlight that still sweets my belle [makes me feel really happy] whenever I think about it. It was a research study that I worked...
Continue reading...Igba Nkwu – keeping up with the demands of tradition
by Juliet Chekwube If your husband-to-be is broke and “aka eruro ya ime” the wedding, tell us. We, your Umunna, will contribute some money to sponsor your Igba nkwu. This was my Umunna’s response to my parents and I on the day we presented them with kola-nuts and drinks, to officially inform them of my intention to get married and for them to give me a traditional wedding date that...
Continue reading...Living with intention
The month of December stands out as a time when workers and students take a break, family members come together to spend time with each other and have some fun. It’s also a time to buckle down in anticipation of the new year. So, apart from the exhilaration of Christmas and New Year celebrations, will you set time apart to plan your SMART* goals for the new year? On a...
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