You go out on a Monday morning between the hours of 6 and 7. As you leave your estate, you cross paths with a middle-aged woman carrying a cooler of moi-moi and shouting, "Hot moi moi". You walk a little further and notice a younger woman sitting under an umbrella with a POS machine waiting for customers. On her left is a woman who just finished arranging the provisions in her shop. The enticing scent of Akara wafts through the air and you notice an older woman frying Akara in hot oil. The neatly arranged loaves of bread do not skip your gaze. You check the time: 6:45 am. Dawn is just breaking but you have seen 4 women ready for business. That's the typical Nigerian Woman.
The Nigerian Woman is a hustler. She is full of fire, energy, and drive. She has the most creative business ideas and will always go to extra lengths to execute it. She is awake by the crack of dawn, eager and ready to work. She is observant, industrious and never afraid to engage in a menial job as long as it means putting food on the table.
The Nigerian woman is fearless and resilient. If a business idea fails, she is quick to restrategize and pick up the pieces. When a family has financial challenges, the Nigerian woman is the first to find a solution.
Her husband comes back home after a long day at work and her children after a stressful day at school and she brings out a hot plate of delicious food that leaves them begging for more. She also had a long day, but she she puts her needs aside to cater to the needs of her family.
Without the Nigerian Woman, all our communities will fall apart. The next time you see Iya Aisha that sells Amala or Aunty Bridget that plaits your hair, recognize the role she plays in your life and the lives of those around her.
The Nigerian Woman deserves an accolade for her hardwork, grit and determination. Whether young or old, poor or rich, big or small, every Nigerian woman is strong and deserves our respect.
