When a friend of mine saw the title of this article, she said what change have you made? How are you making a difference? These words hurt but they also challenged me to try harder, go harder and grind harder.
I don’t care what anyone says, what I do is making a difference, my work is making a difference. Feminist Inc is making a difference. Online activism is valid.
I’m a feminist and mental health advocate and I’m passionate about all forms of injustices and bias be it be against the LGBTQIA+ community or against disabled people. Anywhere someone is being cheated or denied their fundamental human rights, I’m there to lend my voice.
I might not be able to do much because of my age and my parents but at least I can talk, I have a mouth. I have a platform and I can damn well use it.
Though I’ve always been passionate about activism, I wasn’t always a feminist and for the longest time I had no idea what mental health was.
But through doing the inner work, learning and unlearning, I have come to realize that my privilege as a middle-class Nigerian girl with access to technology and loving and understanding parents must not be wasted.
I first became a feminist activist and I say activist because I believe that everyone is born a feminist after all no one is born thinking women are lesser beings rather we learn sexism and misogyny.
Anyway, I first became a feminist activist when I joined social media and saw the statistics of femicide and gender-based violence. I was outraged at such injustice and being someone that hates seeing anyone being treated unfairly, it really struck a chord.
And so, I began to learn more and to read more and to follow feminists on social media and I did my own research and eventually I made up my mind that the world is messed up.
Now, armed with the knowledge that sexism was very much real and alive in the society of today, the next question was what to do about it. It’s one thing to see oppression going on, it’s another thing to do something about it. No matter how little.
And that is how I took to my WhatsApp status and began posting feminist stuff and talking about sexism and misogyny. And let me tell you the backlash I received… Like damn chile!
All manner of nonsense and ignorant people coming to my dms to tell me that my own is too much or (my personal favorite) “what of men”?
Worse part is a lot of the backlash was coming from other women. The patriarchy has done a really good job of brainwashing women. It has done an excellent job in making women comfortable in their own oppression (or at least as comfortable as they can be).
I’m a very stubborn girl, nonetheless, I gave up on being an activist to my friends and family and instead decided to go to social media and be anonymous. And that is how Feminist Inc was born.
Feminist Inc is a blog and podcast dedicated to amplifying women’s voices. To serve as a safe space for women to come and share their stories. Feminist Inc is a community.
When I started, I was scared, I kept thinking what will people say? Will they think I’m doing too much? Will they think I’m carrying everyone’s matter on my head?...
But I didn’t let that stop me. I started it anyway and a year later, my podcast is educating people and changing perspectives and I’m so damn proud of myself.
Call me delusional but I believe I can change the world. After all, all it takes is one person to set the ball rolling. One person can activate change and empower others to do more and be better. And I want to be that person for so many people.
As I continue on this journey of activism, I have come to realize that change requires more than just individual efforts. It demands collective action and a united front against systemic injustices. It's not enough for me to raise my voice alone; I need others to join in the fight for a more equitable society.
That's why I actively seek collaborations and partnerships with like-minded individuals, organizations, and activists. I believe in the power of solidarity and the strength that comes from working together. By joining forces, we can amplify our impact and tackle issues from multiple angles.
One of the essential aspects of my activism is recognizing and addressing intersectionality. I understand that various forms of oppression are interconnected, and our fight for justice must be inclusive. I strive to uplift marginalized voices from all walks of life, ensuring that no one is left behind.
In expanding my focus beyond feminism, I am delving into LGBTQIA+ issues, disability rights, mental health rights, and other important causes. Each struggle is interconnected, and by acknowledging these intersections, we can build a stronger movement for social change.
I am committed to learning, unlearning, and continuously challenging my own biases and privileges. I understand that being an ally means actively educating myself and amplifying the voices of those who are often silenced. I encourage others to do the same, to engage in open conversations, and to confront their own prejudices.
But activism doesn't stop at raising awareness or sharing information. It's about pushing for tangible change in the systems that perpetuate inequality. Laws need to be changed, policies need to be reformed, and institutions need to be held accountable. I urge those in positions of power to recognize their responsibility and take meaningful action.
In the face of adversity and criticism, I remain steadfast in my belief that one person can make a difference. By initiating conversations, challenging societal norms, and empowering others, we can create a ripple effect of change. I want to be that person who inspires others to take action, to use their own voices and platforms for the betterment of society.
As I look to the future, my aspirations are driven by the hope of a more just and inclusive world. I envision a society where every individual's rights are respected, regardless of their gender, sexuality, ability, or any other aspect of their identity. I will continue to educate, advocate, and mobilize others until we achieve this vision.
To all those who doubt the impact of online activism or question the change I'm making, I say this: I am not deterred by negativity. I am fueled by a burning passion for justice and equality. Every step I take, every word I speak, and every post I share is a step toward a better world.