By Enigheni Iwori
In last week’s article, I wrote about trusting your voice but what if you do not know what that voice sounds like?
As women especially, when we continually have to reconstruct our words, modify our tone and reshape our thoughts, we lose our voice. Now I do not mean literally but it shows up in the way you have to smile before disagreeing, over explaining your opinions so it does not come off as rude or being overly conscious of your tone, phrases or gestures in conversations, so you are not called ‘difficult’.
Quite a large number of people now emphasize the importance of educating women and girls. Yet it should just be enough education for them to earn an income not necessarily to challenge archaic traditions and social constructs. Women are encouraged to be confident, build a business or career, have money but — now this is where it gets tricky —express their opinions in a demure way, do not be too ambitious, disagree politely and always smile.
This leads to confusion. This is not unconnected with the fact you want to point out how something does not work right at work, school, and home or even in church but you have to rework the sentence and your posture because if you do not, best believe the crux of the matter will be abandoned and your tone or mannerism dissected.
While this is not to excuse bad behaviour, understand that as a woman your voice is an authority. It is your power and it is unique to you. So, hold your head up high and speak up in that meeting, that gathering and all the places you find yourself.
Find your voice and trust it.
Movies of the Week
· A Flicker of Us (YouTube): Two friends separated by fate and a promise broken – fifteen years later, the past comes calling and these two women are forced to confront hidden truths. This emotional drama will leave you questioning your moral code as it explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, jealousy and ambition.
· Mother’s Love: Released in cinemas on March 6, 2026, this drama follows the story of a young woman who faces resistance from her overprotective parents as she seeks to break free from their hold. The film explores themes of independence, love and family. Do watch it at a cinema near you.
See you next week.
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