In this interview, Korede Azeez expands on the work she’s done, how her experiences inspire her output, and what she thinks creatives need to do more of.

I Know You Have a Degree in Mass Communication, But How Did You Get Into Filmmaking?

I have always been fascinated by stories and started reading at about five years old. When I was 8 or 9 years old, I wrote my first story. Then, growing up, I was in the drama club. So, my film career actually started with acting. I was a teenager in a series show, and it was such an exciting experience. I was really fascinated by the entire process and the prospect of Nollywood. Unfortunately, the show never made it on air cause the producer died. Then camera phones came out, and my siblings and I started acting and recording ourselves.

So, your interest in films has been there from a young age?

Exactly. Then it was time to go to university, and I remember being fascinated only by theatre arts. But then I did mass comm, and throughout my time in university, I was part of the radio drama. I used to listen to the BBC radio drama and thought about reproducing what they did. Then I used to follow Tomi Adesina’s blog ‘Dear Future Husband’, and I asked her if I could turn it into a radio drama, and she said yes. That was my first time writing a script.

How did that translate into a career?

After university, my curiosity kept pushing me to think about what’s next, and then I ended up doing TV. Journalism wasn’t really for me, so I moved to the next best thing, which was film. I started reading about film, studying on my own. Then, during NYSC, I got a job at BBC Radio. While I was working, I met a friend who wanted to start a film collective, and we did, and that was how I made my first short film.

What’s it like being a full-time filmmaker?

First off, I’m not a full-time filmmaker.

Oh, interesting! What do you do?

I’ve worked in operations full-time, and always worked full-time. The only time I didn’t work full-time was during COVID, from about 2020 to early 2024. Interestingly, it was during that period that my career blossomed. That was when I made my first feature film, “” and when I got my Netflix deal that brought “” to the world. Then, “” with Prime Video.

Seems like a lot was going on at the time.

Yes, a lot was going on at the time. I was also pregnant during that period. And I think this is important because creatives always have the question of how to make things work. How to keep money coming and do it full-time.

Exactly.

Keeping money coming is important, but knowing how to do that is even more important. A lot of my experience with film, especially the things that went right, came from working in corporate spaces. So, I decided it was something I was going to do. Get corporate experience, do sales, marketing, and operations. I’m very excited to put everything I’ve learnt into practice when I’m ready to dive into filmmaking full-time. I always tell young creatives to get a job. But it won’t be the same path for everybody.

Some people have family money and a trust fund; if you’re one of them, then by all means. But if you know taking it on full-time will put a strain on your family, please get a job. Sometimes I think getting a job can give a better perspective and will help you write about certain things. Like if you worked in a hospital, the way you would write a hospital drama would be different from someone who doesn’t. The corporate world gives an insight into structure, and I think that’s something missing in the creative world and film space.

So it’s like you learn the language of the world or the genre you’re writing about?

Yes.

How instrumental would you say language is in shifting our perspectives?

Very instrumental. This was something I learned during my time with BBC Radio. Some dramas were in Hausa and Pidgin. The pidgin thing is interesting because, as much as we’re diverse, pidgin is like a universal language for Nigerians. Those of us who speak proper English are few. Nigerians are mostly uneducated or undereducated.

I mean, naturally, translation won’t be 100%, as things can get lost in translation. Living in the north has also helped me gain perspective, as I see the importance of knowing the language for where you are. There’s just something about seeing someone who understands you and speaks your language. And that’s the thing, if we’re trying to make an impact, we need to address the language issue. These films that we’re making are they reaching the people they ought to meet?

Also Read: Uzoamaka Power Made Call of My Life for Everyone Who Has Ever Loved Too Much

Do you think we haven’t been able to reach the people we need to because there’s an issue with our approach in films?

Sometimes it feels like a lot of the films and media products we come up with are for optics and just to say that yes, we’ve done something. Some people do the work and have an impact. But generally speaking, I think about how you can grow an ecosystem off the back of one product. Let’s assume you are doing something advocacy-related. There is nothing wrong with taking some of the revenue and creating a road show with a strong message, or spinning it into a play in a different language.

The cinema culture that we keep trying to push, not everyone can relate to or engage with. We need to understand the different methods that can be used and which ones speak best to a particular group of people. I think we’re also very greedy. People don’t want to put their money into things unless they’re sure it’ll pay off, but no one wants to start a pilot project or even do research and development.

Is it possible to communicate any sort of message in a country as diverse as Nigeria?

Yes. But you have to be clear on what you’re doing and who exactly you’re trying to reach. It’s like going back to the issue of structure. You can’t do what you want to do without doing the right amount of research. You need a strategy and a plan to execute things.

What themes do you use to pass across your message in the films you make?

If there’s anything I try to portray in my films, it’s agency for women. Everyone should have a problem with the patriarchy, but I particularly have a problem with how it makes women seem small and insignificant. Certain deals that they say like a girl is under her father until she’s under her husband, and how it robs her of her individuality. I want to build a world where women are not an afterthought.

Balance is an important aspect of this to me. I’ve seen where we push feminism very heavily, and it doesn’t land well in some spaces, especially with women who don’t realise that they have become agents of the patriarchy and make life even more difficult for women. Sometimes donor agencies want to give to projects, and they say things like, they don’t want stories where men are absent. I get the rationale, but it doesn’t provide a complete picture. Yes, you show men that men are present, but women won’t always feel represented in some of these things.

I believe in extending a lot of grace towards women.

So do I. That’s why Zainab’s character was so important to me. For people to see that making choices as a woman is not so easy.

Let’s talk deeper about your experiences. How exactly did that impact your storytelling and films?

I think it’s given me a unique perspective. I’m hardly ever black or white. I’m always on the grey side of things. Like being in the East, people didn’t really know a lot about Muslims. It’s not even just about Muslims, but underrepresented people in general. I like to use the example of the gay community because there was a time when mentioning the word was taboo. But things are different now.

I guess that’s how it’s always been for me. Just being underrepresented and seeing the need for that representation. There were times in university when people would see me wearing a hijab and conclude that I don’t speak English or call me boko haram.

Them Calling you Boko-Haram is Crazy Work

I agree. But I like to think that they were like that because they didn’t know.

Studying mass communication made me see how important the media is in conditioning people, and I kind of see that as a mission or purpose for me now. To put these stories out to recondition people. Sometimes I think we are comfortable in our ignorance and are too reluctant to be open-minded. If people were a bit more open-minded, the world would be a better place.

Do you remember your first experience with people being ignorant?

Once in secondary school, my friends and I said we should bring Christian and Muslim materials and talk about them. And I remember reading everything and listening to them, and then when it was my time to talk, they didn’t listen. And I’m not even saying we need to convert each other, but I just want us to know and understand each other.

Sometimes these are the kind of things Nollywood should showcase.

That brings me to another point. Creatives need to get to the point where they are controlling the money so we can market and push the things we’re creating.

What do you think the effect of limiting information in the lives of women is in making choices for economic power and sexual and reproductive health?

When you limit women’s access to information on things, especially SRH, it can very well lead to the destructive consequences you were trying to avoid. When it’s not standardised, and people have to go look for information themselves and hide that they’re looking. Sometimes, the damage can cause permanent health issues. It will come to a point where women will be forced to find things on their own, and the ways they try may not be good, so why not just give them the information they need? Halima, for example, had to find her way; she didn’t know what she would see, but she left.

Regarding economic power, I think it’s the same thing. I’m very big on economic power because money is power. And men have controlled women for so long because they’re the ones who have had access to this power. If you’re able to have something of your own, no matter how little, there’s a sort of psychological safety that comes with it. You can do whatever you want now; there are remote jobs and options. There’s more access to knowledge and choice. I think a lot of the older generation don’t know how to address these issues with us, and I think it’s probably a culture of shame.

Do you think our folklore has the same impact?

Absolutely. Every story has to give a moral lesson, and it’s a very big part of our culture. I don’t think we’re getting away from that anytime soon.

Is it possible for women to have it all? How does the concept of choice feminism impact these things?

Having a family and choosing to build a home will always set a woman back. And that can be okay. Sometimes, younger people come to ask me questions about what will happen to their careers if they get married. And I tell them to be clear on what is non-negotiable for them. Women need to learn to plan their lives in seasons; you can have it all, but not at the same time. Before you decide to get married, have something for yourself. A source of income or a skill that you can continue growing.

Be ready as well for the possibility of your partner changing, and even yourself. Things won’t always be as amazing as they were in the dating phase. You don’t want to put the burden of your happiness on another person. That’s something my mum always tries to convey to me. My children should never be an obstacle to my success. At the worst, I’ll drop them off at Grandma’s. Women need to consider support and the support systems they have around them.

How do you think Nollywood pushes stereotypes in films, and how can it shift the story?

There was a film I watched that had a female character who really wanted to pursue a career in banking. But her husband wasn’t having it. She ended up doing what she wanted, but the end scene showed her sad in her office, and her husband was happy with his new wife. These sorts of films are being repeated, women are watching them, and relatives are echoing these things as well. Women are still just pushing out babies because they want sons, even though they have seven girls.

I also sort of blame traditional leaders because they keep preaching about being fruitful and multiplying and telling women not to kill their babies. Even in the north, there is still so much censorship. I remember this filmmaker was locked up in the north because a lot of themes in his film didn’t agree with the censorship board. So, there’s also that part of films that filmmakers have to look out for. This is why cinema in the north is more backward than in other parts of the country.

Would you say the media and films in particular are an important part of our goal of #ShiftingTheStory?

We underestimate just how important these films are. I remember getting a message from someone who had just watched with difficulty comes ease, and how Zainab’s choice of her fashion career gave her the courage to continue hers. These films can have a really powerful effect.

, Content Creator and , also known as BigBadReni on X, and founder of Amplify Her, shared useful trade secrets as our speakers on the episode, while journalist and writer, kept the conversation going between our speakers and the crowd. 

We had many takeaways from the conversation, but we’ve saved the best for you. Here are X reasons why you keep going from talking stage to talking stage (respectfully). 

1. You Care Too Much About Optics and Not The Person 

Apparently, you’re not supposed to think of the social currency and elevation you might get if things go well with your talking stage. If you’ve only been thinking about how well you sync in a TikTok video or how best to soft or hard launch them, your priorities are not in order. Optics and aesthetics come second, while your actual compatibility with the person comes first. Get to know the person you’re speaking to properly and get to know them out of genuine interest. Let first base go beyond sex after a night of sweating and gyrating. 

Tito says “The concept of social media makes us too concerned with what people think about us. The optics and the aesthetics of it. If you’re speaking to someone, it’s not foreign to think of what your pictures will look like when you post. You’ll be thinking of whether your pictures will look nice on Instagram or if you’ll look good together in pictures,”

For Reni, her view is slightly different. “In Lagos, it is very normal for first base to be just raw sex. You want to hard launch someone, but then you don’t know whether or not they’re cheating on you. You’re dating someone, and everyone is waiting for you to find out they’re cheating on you. I think social media helps people actually curate their lives because now, a lot of people prefer soft launches.”

2. You’re Ashamed of Yourself 

It’s 2026, and everyone is scared of being vulnerable. Everyone is scared of being vulnerable because no one wants to turn to content. No one wants to turn to content because your disgrace will outlive you. Let’s be honest, the only way to really get to know someone and deepen emotional intimacy is through vulnerability. But when everyone is watching their front and back, it’s difficult to know when and who we can be safe with. However, if you’re serious about love and your person, it should mean nothing with the added fact that they feel the same, of course. 

Reni believes that the essence of vulnerability has been reduced. “Vulnerability has become cringe because we make a spectacle of everything. People are waiting for your downfall. Pain is amplified. Your disgrace will outlive you. These days, it’s a cool thing for people not to know anything about you. You have to gatekeep yourself, and people have to work to get information about you. Shame is the social media currency.” she said.

On the other hand, public perception doesn’t affect how Tito see’s things. “A lot of relationships and loving is about taking risks. And I think that’s why a lot of people are single, because we don’t want to take the risk of being vulnerable. And I think we have to firm the consequences of shame for that. It’s like we say the things we really want are on the other side of shame, so to get to that, we need to actually cross shame.” he said.

Also Read: The State of Love 2026

3. You’re Doing too Much 

If you’re someone who knows what you want and what you’re looking for in a partner, great. If you’re completely clueless about what you would like your relationship to look like, even better. Our speakers agree that sometimes, saying too much too soon might scare away the other person or make them reluctant. Take your time and do your due diligence before oversharing. 

“First of all, don’t rush into communicating what your expectations are. Also, don’t say it all at once; spread it out. The talking stage is to ask value questions, because I think a lot of people don’t pay attention to what they say in the talking stage. We also have to get to the point where we don’t feel cringe about sharing our intentions. It will make sense to the right person.” According to Tito, this is the best way to maintain composure.

4. Your Eyes Are Too Big 

According to our speakers, one of the problems with talking stages these days is that people don’t know what they want. Everybody wants something because the other person has it. The factors that determine who we should date and what dating them should look like are now jumbled up into whatever it is we see on social media. Life happens in stages, and there’s nothing wrong with expecting regular things from regular people. 

Meanwhile, Reni believes that some of you have forgotten how old you really are. “I think everybody needs to get off the internet first and foremost. Whatever it is we’re in is not going to look like what we see on screen.  I think there’s a layer of performativity and transactions that we don’t address. You can’t be 19-23 and expect that when you go on dates, it’s going to be slow and mind-blowing. When people get married and do things within their budget, we shame them for it. It’s okay to do things at your pace. Stop comparing everything you experience to what you see on screen.” she said.

5. You Imagine Things Before They Happen 

Aka, you’re delusional, and sometimes that’s okay. But delusion inflates how we see things and impacts our conduct and expectations. It’s why we’re more heartbroken when the talking stage ends than the actual relationship. We’re not saying don’t get your hopes up, but remember this is real life, and if you’re a Lagosian, well. If delusion is your problem, take a break from the dating scene and touch grass. Evaluate your previous experiences and identify the issues. 

For Tito, everybody just needs to chill. His view? “Jaded people should take a break from the dating scene. Drink water and chill. A lot of people are dating without knowing what they want. It’s like getting in a car with someone without knowing where they’re going. Then you get there and realise it’s not where you want to go. Take a break. Consult one or two people who make sense.”

“I think a lot of people don’t realise that they’re jaded, which is why they continue to remain delusional. But if you are deluded, if you’re jaded, it’s because you’ve spent too much time looking at the outside world. You need to be in touch with yourself. Kissing passionately at the rave won’t save your talking stage.” Reni is certain that locking lips like there’s no tomorrow, won’t help revive dry bones.

If you think we’ve covered everything that was said on the space, you’re far from right. Listen to the recording and get more trade secrets from our speakers. We promise it’s worth your while! 

HERtitude 2026 is happening this April, and the theme is Main Character Energy. Get your tickets here: .

1. Affi started building ReelFruit, because she wanted to do something different. An initiative that was unique and equally sustainable. Affi saw agriculture as her answer and built her ReelFruit on that. If you want to know exactly what about the industry led to her decision, watch her episode to find out.  

2. Starting a business in Nigeria’s economy is not easy work. Especially because lending money (debt) is part of the process, and not many people are eager to give it up. How did Affi grow capital for her business? Scaling. In the documentary, she talks about raising small amounts from business grants and trusted sources and using that to garner assets and goodwill for ReelFruit.  Today, Affi has built an entire value chain that serves her brand and has raised millions of dollars.

3. Affi counts on the competence and capacity of people. The first being herself and the second being Nigerian youths. Everybody is looking for money, and everybody, especially youths, is looking for good work that brings money. Affi is determined to find youth and give them what they need to sustain her business.

“I think the thing that primarily sold my business was me. I am just a doer,” she said.

It’s not just the story of how she built her business that inspires us, but also the story of HER.

HERtitude 2026 is happening this April, and the theme is Main Character Energy. Get your tickets here: .

1. “I Started Exploring my Body During My Early Teenage Years”- Oluchi*, 24

I started exploring my body during my early teenage years. I was reading an erotica, and I felt wet but didn’t know what to do about it or what was wrong. I was concerned. In the process of figuring out what was going on, I started touching myself, and it was a nice sensation. Did further research and I found a lot of answers on Healthline. I saw it was completely normal, and the rest is history. I always read erotica and then “explored myself”, but then on lazy days, I watched porn.

Beyond erotica, other things that have also helped me become more familiar with my body are things like phone sex, watching people explore themselves, voyeurism and still erotica. Honestly, I don’t think much has changed about how I view myself; what matters to me is that I am satisfied. Masturbating didn’t even help me view myself better. But I think that’s because I have always been self-aware and confident. I believe my sexual life is my sexual life. It doesn’t necessarily influence my social, work or any other part of my life. I really like to compartmentalise that way.

The only thing I’d say exploring pleasure and my body has really done for me is that I’m now a lot more accommodating. People like what they like, and I can’t judge them for it. Except if it’s vile.

2. “I’ve Been Watching Porn Since a Very Young Age”- Mariam*, 23

I’ve been watching porn since a very young age. Pretty early, haha, but that eventually led to some curiosity about my body and how to replicate the pleasure I saw the actors portray on screen. I’ve come a long way from my (personal) hairbrush and hands to a rose and a bullet. Other experiences that have helped me become more familiar with my body really just centre on sex and variations of it. I’d like to believe porn didn’t rot my brain. I also like to listen to what people have to say and hear about their experiences. Then I try them out on myself.

Masturbation hasn’t necessarily improved my image of myself, but honestly, it’s a double-edged sword. Because porn was my first introduction to sex, it shaped what I subconsciously associate with desire. As a woman, I ought to have a beautiful, curvy, or slender body devoid of any body hair, as the more popular actors sometimes do. Being my very first introduction to sex negatively affected my perception of how my body should look and how I want my partner to desire me. Because if I’m not curvy and hairless, does that not mean I’m not deserving of sex and its pleasures?

I would say things are much better now. Years and years of exploring my body has helped me understand what I enjoy in bed. I’d say it’s helped determine what I like and what I don’t like. I thought there was a “right” way to experience pleasure and that I just needed to replicate it. But I’ve come to learn that what works for others might not work for me. I’m different, so the way I experience and seek out pleasure will be different, too.

3. “Buy a Vibrator and Lube”- Abigail, 26

The first time I tried exploring my body, I tried with a vibrator, and I was 23. I followed some online advice and bought a vibrator and lube. Since then, I’ve really just had a lot of make-out sessions and engaged in foreplay. But even those ones have helped me see how sensitive my body is to touch.

I think generally, masturbating eased me into being sexually active. Because of how often I got into and how nice it felt, I no longer go scared or anxious about being sexually active. Also, it’s easy for me to give my partner directions and speak up on what makes me feel good or otherwise.

My advice to women is always to explore their bodies. Get to know yourself. A lot of times, we tell women to get to know themselves and limit it to the emotional, mental or spiritual. But there’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to getting to know our bodies. It’s a natural aspect of life. Also, buy a vibrator and lube.

4. “Toys are Great, But Nothing Really Gets Me Cracked Like My Fingers.”- Tosin*, 22

I take exploring my body very personally because the first time my body was explored, it wasn’t with my consent. Surprisingly and unfortunately, I was young, but it still felt good. Growing up, the memory stuck with me, and I think I tried to replace it by having as many experiences as possible. So, I started exploring my body at about 14, and then had sex at like 19.

Toys are great, but nothing really gets me cracked like my fingers. But honestly, to each their own. When I use my hands, I find that I’m able to really get in tune with myself, and that really helps with specificity when I’m telling people what I like. I guess in a way, getting into it with myself changed how I viewed and felt about my body. It gave me a sense of ownership in a way. Like, yes, this vessel actually belongs to me, and it is my responsibility to make her feel good. That sort of thing.

5. “I’m Open to all Human and Legal Genres of Pornography”- Stella*, 24

I’m currently 24, but I can’t remember when exactly it is I started exploring my body. But I know i started out humping pillows. It’s such an underrated experience. What I can also say is that I’ve had a good run and all my experiences have been great. Sometimes I do a bit too much with masturbation and sex, then I need to go on breaks because I realise it’s not hitting as well. But I think that’s something that happens to everyone.

Aside from self-pleasure, one thing that’s helped me is saying yes to everything but also knowing my limits. It might not be the most prudent advice, but if I have great chemistry with someone, I am 100% going to explore it. It doesn’t happen often, but it happens enough for my body count to have gotten past 10. For me, exploration is all you need to know what you like. Whether it’s with someone or it’s alone.

For people who are monogamous or in relationships, I’d advise planning things. A bit unethical, but adding to that, I’d also say read stuff and watch videos to see if you’re planning is something that genuinely turns you on. Honestly, even if it turns you on via video, it might not do the same thing in real life. I think that’s something I’ve started doing as well. I’m open to all human and legal genres of pornography, and I try to see if it’s something I’ll enjoy replicating. You find that it helps for great story times. 

Read Next: What She Said: Everyone My Parents Trusted Had Access to My Body

HERtitude 2026 is happening this April, and the theme is Main Character Energy. Get your tickets here: .

Season 1 featured , who manages payments at PiggyVest; , whose love of K-dramas led her to an unconventional career path; and , who reminded us there’s no single “right” career route for women. We closed the season with and the impactful work she does across communities in Northern Nigeria.

Across four episodes, HER celebrated women who moved beyond circumstance, bet on what they loved, and built lives on their own terms. For Season 2, we’re bringing you even more stories of incredible women who have gone beyond marketing themselves and their skills and created brands with independent identities. 

Here are three things to expect from the upcoming season. 

1. Inspiration

If you’ve ever felt the urge to change your life or finally start working on that business idea after watching something powerful, get ready to feel it even more with every episode this season. The women we’re bringing to your screens are women who refused to put conditions on their dreams and committed to seeing their visions through. Here’s our advice: dust off those planning journals. Revisit the ideas you tucked away. Give yourself permission to start again. One thing we know for sure is that these women will have you believing again. 

2. A How-To Business Guide

This season isn’t just packed with “aspire to perspire” quotes. Each episode has the story and process of some who have started and built some of your favourite brands. From Shop Bawsty, to Yerwa Secrets, Sweatbox and others. We’re showing you the blueprint of how to make it in different industries from women who’ve done it. 

3. All About HER

It’s 2026, and we’re still about #ShiftingTheStory. Which means amplifying women to support women, and amplifying women who support women. The women in season 2 of our docu-series didn’t just think of how to grow their economic power, but also how to impact the lives of other women. Either by providing services or scaling their chosen industries. It’s businesses made by women, for women. It’s businesses aimed at paving the way for models that mirror theirs. 

Now that you know what you’re in for, what do we expect you to do? It’s simple. Spread the word. Set up a watch party with your girls, let them know that your faves are on żěèĘÓĆľ with tips on how to build the next best thing. Tell them HER 2 is coming to żěèĘÓĆľMag on YouTube today, Saturday, March 7, 2026. Save the date!

Watch the first trailer, featuring and the story of how she built !

HERtitude 2026 is happening this April, and the theme is Main Character Energy. Get your tickets here: .

In this article, we spoke to five Nigerian women, patients and medical practitioners, on their experiences with misogyny in medical spaces. Some of what they have to say will shock you.

1. “After Finally Getting a Diagnosis, Doctors Tell Me to Come Back for Treatment After I Have Kids”- Temiloluwa*, 19

It took me nearly five years to get an endometriosis diagnosis. Doctors kept telling me that my body would resolve on its own in due time. I got a diagnosis when it was looking like my period wasn’t going to stop. I was bleeding for three months, and the doctor told me it would stop by itself. He didn’t even try to do a proper test. Another one told me I needed to gain weight. I got prescribed pills for about three months. But it’s finished now, and I’m currently experiencing the same thing, and I’m stressed out thinking about which hospital to visit. Even after I got a diagnosis, some of them will tell me to come back when I’m ready to have kids. Every day, I am fighting for my life, barely getting through, and people are talking about non-existent kids before they attend to me.

2. “I’ve Started Self-medicating. From Vinegar to Fenugreek Seeds and Pawpaw Leaf Tea”- Hanatu*, 24

I have PCOS, and it’s basically genetic. It started with me not seeing my period for two months, then three and then eight months straight. Beyond not seeing my period, it also affected my appearance. I was constantly bloated and trying to lose weight felt like war, especially because I have ulcer. When I started visiting hospitals, some doctors actually told me that I needed to get married early. I started self-medicating. One time, I took vinegar, and it gave me heartburn. Then I started taking fenugreek seeds as tea, and it helped a bit. Sometimes I ear scent leaves and make tea with pawpaw leaves.

Doctors actually told me that there’s medication I can take, but they will only give it to me when I’m ready to get married. Apparently, giving me the pills can lead to something else. But the more I skip my period, the more painful it becomes.

3. “I’ve Seen a Doctor Beat a Woman in Labour”- Amaka*, 28*

As a health worker, the medical misogyny I experience from my colleagues and even the patients themselves is crazy. Sometimes patients come in, and when they admit to being sexually active and using contraceptives, they judge them. I remember one time the doctor called this lady an ashewo because she said she had sex the day before. Some doctors go as far as telling women to calm down or relax when they complain about cramps. ‘No be ordinary menstrual pain dey do you?’ Mind you, this person couldn’t even walk by herself. I’ve even seen a doctor beat a woman in labour. He was saying things like “When you were doing it, you were enjoying yourself o, but now that it’s time to push, you won’t push”.

Sometimes even towards colleagues they work with. There was a doctor who was moving to one of my colleagues. Because he was our senior, she didn’t know how to navigate it, so she reported to the hospital’s HR. When they called in the man to share his own account of the story, he swore he would never move to her because she looked like someone who had multiple STDs. Even buying pregnancy test strips comes with judgment. They act like it’s wrong for women to be sexually active. But who are they sleeping with? Even when women want to pay their bills, they ask for their husbands. Before they attend to women in labour, they ask for their husbands. So many things that we don’t know about are happening. If you’re married, you’re off the hook. But you can’t look too young as well.

HERtitude 2026 is happening this April, and the theme is Main Character Energy. Get your tickets here: .

4. “The Doctor Told Me to Bring My Non-existent Husband for a Proper Discussion About My Body”- Ewoma*, 26*

My biggest issue is how some of them encourage family planning and contraceptive use, but judge you when you try to take it up. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Every complaint I’ve ever had, they attribute it to my cycle. Some of them make it seem like women just like complaining unnecessarily.  I remember one time I brought up birth control, and the man said he wouldn’t recommend it for me, especially as I’m “young, unmarried and childless” (Like that’s not the whole point for me).

Then he followed it up with “If to say you were married now, I would have said you should come with your husband so we can have a proper discussion”. I looked at this man. At that point, I’d spent ₦50k out of my own pocket to cover those two weeks of hospital visits and didn’t really appreciate being talked to like I couldn’t have agency over my own life. He kept giving vague answers to the other questions I had. I didn’t even want to talk anymore.

The only time someone actually did something tangible was when I was speaking to a female doctor. She was even more concerned than I was. However, the male doctor shut it down before it even gained proper ground. Sometimes, I’d rather just stay at home and power through whatever my body has decided to do that day, unless I feel like it’s an emergency.

Even with other women, too. My cousin tried to get contraceptives to aid her family planning. They asked her to come back when she had at least three children. She’s had two kids within two years, and I can tell that she’s really struggling.

5. “Men Think I’ve had Many Abortions Because I’m a Nurse”- Fatima*, 26*

I work in the family planning unit at a health centre, so sometimes I go to pharmacies to purchase pregnancy test strips. One time, I went to get from my regular pharmacy, and the lady there looked at me like I was doing something wrong. Because of the way she looked at me, I had to price the strips down to ₦100 from the ₦150 that she had said. Part of me even feels like she increased the price because she wasn’t happy with me buying it. Another pharmacy I used to go to, the lady’s husband used to speak Yoruba and say, ‘She don go play rough play’. Sometimes, the women who have experienced these things do it more often.

One time, a couple came to the health centre for family planning, and when they told them I would be attending to them, they had an issue with it because of my stature. So, misogyny in the health space, I think, it can come from both men and women. Some mothers even discourage their daughters from taking on family planning because they believe it causes family planning.

I’ve even experienced men telling me they can’t be in relationships with me because I’m a nurse. Their view is either that I’ve had too many abortions or that if I get pregnant, I’ll know how to hide it from them.

Women come into the clinic all the time asking for family planning options. Some of them are scared of what their husband will do, so they ask us to do it secretly. One time, somebody’s husband came and caused a scene. The man even came with the police. We always ask them to sign in case of situations like this, so we show them that their wives came on their own and consented to whatever treatment we’ve administered.

Read Next: Have You Ever Been Ignored by a Doctor? — 8 Women on Medical Misogyny

Our last X space featured women who feel strongly about how unsafe Nigeria’s online space is for women. The speakers in the space included actress,, a model, stylist and content creator and, digital literacy and education officer at.

In this article, we give you reasons why our online space isn’t safe for women and 4 ways to make it better.

What is So Unsafe About The World Wide Web for Nigerian women?

Before getting into how Nigeria’s online space is unsafe for women, it’s important to understand what we mean. Our speakers note that the online space is eager to punish women for being true to themselves and simply existing online. It is the trivialisation of women’s passions and the disproportionate backlash women receive for expressing their opinions and building personas online. 

Nigeria’s online space is unsafe for women because of misogyny. Women do not feel safe enough to make themselves visible online and source opportunities. With every post and interaction, there is the fear and likelihood that someone is waiting for the opportunity to harass, bully, or amplify posts that do just that. 

“Safety is being able to exist without fear.  It’s the ability to express opinions and build online without disproportionate backlash. For women, it is visibility and opportunity. Existing online without the fear of being harassed and bullied, without being picked on simply because it’s easy to pick on women.” – Osas Okonyon 

“Safety for women online is true freedom. Being safe enough to express their passions.. It should not be seen as silly or trivialised. It is the ability of women to interact online without fear.” – Ugonna Ihe

Why are People Committed to Limiting Online Safety?

Our speakers agree that there are a number of things fuelling the continuous harassment and bullying of women online. One of them is the algorithm and the added effect of remuneration for multiple impressions and engagement. For some reason, the tweets and posts that are most insulting and dehumanising often trend. And this results in financial compensation. Engagement is the new currency, and people are doing what they can to secure it.

There is also the social capital people get from tending and adequately “dragging” women online. Misogyny is rewarded on both financial and social ends. Men are awarded “street cred” for being and saying inhumane things to women. And men continue to relish the feelings they get from being mean to women. 

“The online space today feels like secondary school, where boys used to get high over being mean to girls. Misogyny is rewarded. People don’t care about the things they accuse women of doing; what they care about is the high they get from punishing women. The core of it is misogyny. Men have always bonded over their humiliation and harassment of women.”- Osas Okonyon 

“One of the things we’ve seen between last year and this year is that attention is the new oil. We are seeing people who have never seen $500 or $1000 before. People now believe that benefiting from women’s harms is worth the money. If they can get impressions on their posts punishing a woman, they’re good.”- Ugonna Ihe

What Have We Tried Doing About It?

It’s not like women haven’t tried to shift this online narrative. The problem is the continued dismissal of conversations that try to . Whenever a woman tries to speak against an injustice that’s been done, everyone suddenly has an issue with her tone or delivery. Sometimes, the issue is even with the person attempting to speak, not necessarily what’s being said.

“If we are really critiquing something, why are people more concerned with how the thing was said rather than the real issue? Being treated as sub-human and harassed is not enjoyable. Why do I have to make my responses and defences palatable? The most rational response to injustice is anger. Why are women punished for expressing that anger?”- Osas Okonyon

These situations have real-life consequences for women. It’s difficult to quantify what they are, but our speakers note that the worst-case scenario is death by suicide. Most times, it’s difficult for women to redeem themselves, especially when the torchbearers of said harassment are men.

“People reduce it to dragging, but it’s not; it’s called bullying. The second is complete erasure. This bullying chases and erases women from these platforms. Another thing is reputational damage. The internet never forgets.”- Ugonna Ihe

“False accusations are worse for women because people believe men more than they do women.”- Omoloto Opeifa 

So, what can we do to make our online space safe for women?

1.      Personalise Your Account and Feed

It’s important to curate our feed to include only posts and interactions that recognise women’s full autonomy. This might mean going private and controlling who follows you, blocking known troublemakers before they get to you or being cautious of the kinds of platforms and people you share your information with. This also includes media. It might be a bit jarring to take extra care just because you’re a woman. But until things get better, this is one way to protect yourself.

“Never get tired of blocking. By God’s grace, I will block you. Your account belongs to you. It is not a democracy. Leaving social media platforms will only allow the bully to continue being a nuisance to other people.”- Omoloto Opeifa

2.      Be Your Sister’s Keeper

We’ve already established how men always have each other’s backs and support each other irrespective of the action in question. Defending a woman should be easier. Even if you’re too introverted to react to the post, report it before it gets to people who would do worse things with it. Don’t think twice about interacting. If you want, you can even go the extra mile and report the account.

“Maintain solidarity with women online. Men will always show solidarity and support each other, irrespective of how depraved something they’ve done is. Women should do the same, and we have more reason to. If you are not reactive, you can simply report the post.”- Osas Okonyon

3.      Advocacy

While reporting tweets and posts sounds like a fantastic idea, there is only so much we can achieve if the guidelines and regulations of social media platforms aren’t solid. The guidelines are limited and don’t take into account the cultural nuances of their active countries. It’s important for us to advocate for stronger guidelines and regulations that ensure active protection and safe spaces for women. We need to push for higher standards that will be upheld despite the need for engagement.

“We can’t use AI to track the validity of abuse because it lacks cultural nuances. AI may not recognise some slurs.”- Ugonna Ihe

4.      Share this Article with Your Male Friends

Men need to do better. It’s that simple. Having a friend who lives and breathes for the harassment and bullying of women online, especially when you say nothing about it, makes you complicit in the action. It’s okay to call your friend out on their bad behaviour. We shouldn’t be telling people how to behave or treat women better, but unfortunately, we have to. There is real damage in the things we do and say to people online.

“Call it out. Translate the herd culture to something positive. Call it out. Things don’t need to get that bad before we do something about it. There is also no need to amplify it. Stop bullying men who call out these behaviours. Understand the stakes involved.”- Ugonna Ihe.

“I don’t want to be teaching men what to do at this age.”- Omoloto Opeifa

The conversation was insightful and entertaining. If you’re too shy to share the article with your male friends, send them the space recording . Better still, give it a listen yourself. 

Read Next: 4 Things To Know To Avoid Engaging In Cyberbullying

In this article, five Nigerians tell us how they started their investment journeys and what they look for before taking the risk. 

1. “I invest in Companies whose Products or Services I use”- Chima*, 27

I started investing about five years ago because I was tired of what my savings were doing for me. Which was nothing. I also wanted to build financial discipline. Before I started investing, I spoke to a few people who I knew were familiar with the game and built a checklist. My investment portfolio consists mainly of stocks. I try to invest in companies that I use their products or services, or the ones that have transparent business models. So, banks, for example and consumer companies like Presco and Nigeria Breweries. 

I use three different apps to invest. My first choice is InvestNaija, but that’s primarily for Nigerian stocks. I also use their Paramount Equity Fund, which invests mostly in stocks. I think I’d recommend that for new investors who don’t want to jump into the risk of things

My other two apps are Trove and Bamboo; they provide access to both domestic and foreign stocks, so the spread is fair. Other advice I’d give would be to stay consistent, and under what it is they’re investing it. Also, use money you can afford to lose and stick to the cost-averaging strategy. That simply means consistent funding or buying of stocks, maybe monthly or so. If you’re prioritising shares, you buy more when the price is low and less when it’s higher. 

2. “I started investing because I was Hungry for Success”- Leke*, 29

I started investing because I was hungry for success and more money, and this was about three years ago. When it comes to investment instruments, I try to look for the ones with less risk but guaranteed rewards. All the applications I use have access to foreign stocks, but I mostly use Robinhood. 

For new investors, I think it’s important to take everything seasoned investors say seriously. Do your research, get company fundamentals, etc. I’d also advise reviewing your portfolio often, but not too often that you give yourself a heart attack. Your returns won’t always be great, but they will be consistent, or as consistent as you’re involved in the process. I’ve been doing this for three years, and the most I’ve made is ₦500,000. Just take your time and stay hungry, or get hungry. 

3. “I’ve made about $145,000” – Chinedu*, 31 

My investment journey actually started with a scam. I got a call from a broker I registered with back in 2013 to invest because the dollar was cheap. I funded my account with $200, and in a week, it grew to $250. When I was ready to withdraw my funds, I didn’t have access, then I realised I’d been scammed. That was when I decided to take things into my own hands. So, my motivation came from wanting financial freedom and getting scammed. 

I mainly invest in equities (stocks). The idea of owning part of a company that will likely beat inflation and deliver returns is great. Then crypto, because well, it’s crypto. But that one is very high-risk. Then I also like to invest in precious metals for balance. Something to keep my portfolio stable when everything else is going mad. My top investment banks currently are Chapel Hill Denham and Cardinal Stone. They’re both solid. I’ve also been looking at Zrosk, too. My go-to strategy is technical analysis. I like to look at the data and math of markets. Trends and forecasts help me determine where to put my money. I’ve made about $145,000 from investing, and that’s not cumulative. Just how much I’ve gotten at once. 

My advice for new investors will be to determine why they’re investing. That’ll help in knowing how much risk they can take on. Also, look at the data. It matters more than we think. 

4. “I Started investing with ₦150,000 in Equities”- Daniella*, 30

I only started investing last November, I think. My motivation came from not wanting to feel left out. I’m very bad with my finances, and it seemed like everyone was getting it right. I started small, though, with ₦150,000 with equities and ₦100,000 with mutual funds. 

The apps I use are InvestNaija and Bamboo. I’m not dabbling in foreign stocks yet. So, I use the former for mutual funds from CHD and Bamboo for my equities. My portfolio has Aradel, Okomu Oil, MTN and Dangote Cement. I try to think of commodities that are in demand and companies that have good PR, I guess. 

My advice for new investors will be to just get into it. Slow and steady wins the race. I’ve seen my investment in stocks go down to ₦143,000 and go up to ₦159,000 since I started. It’s so crazy. I try to check it out at least once a week, but I think I’ve gone down to about once in two weeks. Anyway, slow and steady wins the race. 

5. “I’ve made Returns 35x an Investment”- Sylvia*, 28

I discovered the stock market and began my investment journey through research. My motivation, honestly, came from not having enough money. I think being in the process has also made me realise that the most important thing is compounding. So, letting your interest returns grow on your principal.

I try to look for short-term investments with high yield, so I know that I’m not putting my money somewhere for a long time. Investments like this would usually also be high risk, but that’s just my speed. One time, I made returns worth 34x my initial capital on a high-risk investment. It was completely worth it for me.  

My trust aides are Trove, Bamboo, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management and GT Fund managers. I would advise new investors to take their time and not expect wealth immediately. Grow your capital and reinvest your interest. That’s the principle of compounding. Also, diversify your portfolio. 

Read Next: 5 Things You Should Know Before Making Your First Gold Purchase

In this article, 8 university students tell us whether they use contraceptives, how they use them, and l how they gained their knowledge on contraceptives. They also provide guidance on how best to fill the knowledge gap. 

1. “It Doesn’t Feel Nearly the Same”—Amanda*, 18

I don’t generally use condoms. The experience just feels so much better without them. It doesn’t feel nearly the same. Whenever a sexual partner brings out condoms, I just cross my fingers hoping for the best. Right now, I’m only active with one person, and he pulls out. That’s good enough for me. I didn’t receive any sex education growing up, and I can’t say it would have made much of a difference if I had. I enjoy the feeling and don’t think contraceptives are for me.

2. “Let Them Know Their Options”—Richard*, 19

The only form of sex education I got was from church and school. The gist was basically, don’t do it, abstain, and it’s a sin. Nothing else was said. I think it’s most important to educate people on the different kinds of contraceptives, the upsides and the downsides and which ones would work for them and their relationships. Sexuality is so fluid these days, and people are so different, it won’t be a one-size-fits-all situation. People need to start talking to one another and not wait until they’re in university. Delaying only fills the time between our teenage years and adulthood with nonsense from outside sources. 

3. “Stop Sugarcoating Things”—Annie*, 18

When I hear contraceptives, the first thing that comes to my mind is birth control. I didn’t have any sex education growing up. Everything I know, I taught myself learnt from friends, going online or just from being outside. I think we need to stop sugarcoating things. Be straight up with young people and teenagers when they get to a certain stage, and tell them how to handle themselves and be safe in a sexual context, rather than trying to protect their innocence and allowing them to be ignorant. Whenever we start talking about private parts or abstaining, we need to say things as they are. 

4. “Sex-ed Needs to be in School Curricula”—Kyle*, 22

Growing up, I went abroad for a portion of my high school years, and I can confidently say that the difference in sex education is staggering. I took sex-ed as a course. Having that basis of education has done wonders for how safe I am with my body. My knowledge made the process of transitioning into being more sexually active so much easier. Rather than having all of this stigma around sexual relationships, we need to be able to relay this information in a structured and constructive way. I think the school is the best place to do that. 

5. “Why should a Girl Take a Pill for Me?”—August*, 18

I always use condoms when having sex. I grew up in a really strict household and never got any form of sexual education. Everything I know I found out from other sources. I will say that I never let my partners take birth control pills or get implants, exclusively for me. If it’s something they decide to do on their own, great. I just feel like it’s unfair. Why does she have to stress herself just to sleep with me? I have no problem wrapping myself up, and I don’t think she needs to mess with her hormones. It’s not worth it. If I could take the pills, I would.

6. “I didn’t know Plan B should be a Last Resort”—Ngozi*, 19

I didn’t get any form of sex education growing up. I use Postinor as my form of birth control. I honestly didn’t know until this very conversation that it’s supposed to be an emergency contraceptive, not something to rely on consistently. Sometimes I think if I had been educated properly on sex, I wouldn’t be nearly as sexually active as I am right now. We need to de-stigmatise these topics. The older I get, the more I realise how much I don’t know. And the thing is, it only gets worse with each generation. Imagine what people younger than me are doing and how unsafe they might be because of what they don’t know. 

7. “My go-to Method is Pulling Out”—Uche*, 18

My go-to method is pulling out. I’ve tried condoms, Plan B, pills, but that always seems to be my default. Most of the things I know about sex, I learnt in early university or late high school years. I think the best place to have learned about sex was in secondary school. I don’t think learning about these things earlier would have made much of a difference to my sex life. But I do know it would make a lot of other people’s lives easier. Honestly, it probably would have made me wiser as well.

8. “My Family Taught Me a Lot”—Eze*, 20

In my earlier days learning about sex, I had my sister, my mom, and YouTube. In the last 2 years, my dad has taught me about sex. It was extremely weird to learn the things that I did, to be honest, but I do think that it helped me in the long run. When it comes to being safe, I know what my priorities should be. Getting my partners and me tested and always making sure to use condoms. I think it’s extremely important to educate young people on these things, however embarrassing it may be. I’m glad my family didn’t let that deter them from telling me what I needed to know. Imagine not educating someone on sex because it’s embarrassing. People need to do better. 

Our Thoughts

One thing about teenagers and young adults, if they want to do something, they’re going do it anyway. No amount of sheltering or religion is going to stop them from exploring their bodies when they leave the home. Let them explore with the knowledge to do so safely. Children need to be educated with the appropriate information. Let them learn to be careful with sex. Not hide from it. 

Read Next: “I Don’t Think Post-Nut Clarity Exists”- 10 Nigerians On Feelings After Sex

The recent changes in Nigeria’s tax legislation have left people trying to make a living in a state of confusion, and that’s putting it lightly. Entrepreneurs, content creators, 9-5 workers, and those working with international organisations, whether it’s understanding what’s changed or if you now have to pay remit on income you can’t quite explain, our X (formerly Twitter) Space held on Tuesday, 13 January 2025, offers the answers you need. 

The space was moderated by Tobilola Ajibola, the campaign lead for our #ShiftTheStory campaign. Our sole speaker was Agbada S. Agbada, a seasoned legal professional and Senior Associate, Aluko & Oyebode. 

Here are three things to know about the new laws before you start remitting. 

1. It’s Not Just One Tax Law

Firstly, the new laws were aimed at unifying the old ones. Formerly, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, Nigeria’s primary tax laws were scattered across several pieces of legislation. These include the Companies’ Income Tax Act, the Personal Income Tax Act, the Value Added Tax Act and others. The new regime consolidates all these laws into a single, reliable document: the Nigerian Tax Act (NTA). 

These laws were also backed by their administrative acts, which governed the rules and procedures concerning administration. Additionally, they have also been consolidated into the Nigeria Tax Administration Act. 

Alongside these are the and the . The NRS now replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service as Nigeria’s central authority, with the JRB established to coordinate, harmonise and resolve disputes under the new system. 

2. Everyone is Involved 

Secondly, the new law requires everyone earning income to remit taxes to the authorities in their domiciled states. This means that everyone whose account is credited, for one reason or another, will be expected to pay. Fortunately, there are some reliefs and adjustments within the Act that taxpayers can take advantage of. 

Tax is calculated at increasing rates on your total annual income, up to 25% on any income above ₦50 million, with the first ₦800,000 taxed at 0%. 

3. Not All Tax Payment Processes are the Same 

Now that we’ve established that we’re all paying tax, whether we like it or yes, it’s important to have a fair understanding of how it’ll be done. 9-5ers are expected to remit monthly through their employers. Entrepreneurs and company owners should look into the specifics of what is required from them and the sort of exceptions they’re subject to, depending on the type of business entity. 

For remote workers, content creators, and those in a workforce without a corporate structure, remittances will occur at the end of the year. This means, throughout the year, you have to keep track of all the income you’ve received, subtract your expenses, assess yourself, and remit the balance. 

Finally, it’s important for everyone to keep track of their payments through the months and years. Certain perks and regulatory actions require us to provide tax clearance certificates. Generally, it’s also good to know if you’re having a shortfall or can get refunded for paying excess. 

Listen to the X Space for full details on what was discussed!

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