Unapologetically Me: Embracing the Multifaceted Nature of African Motherhood

*In commemoration of International Women’s Day, it’s an honour to feature a guest post from a remarkable mother who embodies the strength, resilience, and determination that this day celebrates. In this heartfelt and inspiring piece, she shares her reflections on embracing the multifaceted nature of African motherhood:

As I navigate the journey of motherhood, I’m reminded that there’s more to me than just this role. My daughter is my greatest inspiration, fueling my passion to pursue my dreams. Some may call me unrealistic, but I believe I can have it all – a loving family, a fulfilling career, and the freedom to chase my aspirations.

I recall my grandmother’s words: “It’s a bad omen for a child to see their mother cry.” However, I’ve chosen to be vulnerable around my daughter. I want her to know that I’m human – that I experience sadness, failure, and uncertainty. But I also want her to see that I’m resilient, that I find strength to keep pushing forward.

While I sometimes miss the carefree days when it was just me and my dreams, I cherish the blessing of motherhood. I wish I could have had candid conversations with my own mother, but I’m grateful that I can have them with my daughter. The strong, spirited women who raised me taught me to push boundaries and defy expectations.

As I navigate the complexities of being a young, working mother with big dreams, I’ve come to realize that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. And at the end of the day, I am resilient – a quality that I hope to pass on to my daughter.

As I continue on this journey, I’m reminded that motherhood is not a singular identity, but a multifaceted one. I am a mother, a daughter, a woman, and a dreamer. And I’m determined to live a life that honors all these aspects of myself, while inspiring my daughter to do the same.