Millions of women around the world started 2024 with hope and optimism, but as the year unfolded, many faced unexpected challenges, setbacks, and heartbreaks. From career disappointments and health scares to relationship woes and personal struggles, the year was not without its difficulties.
We spoke to Nigerian women who shared some of the not-so-great things that happened in 2024. They also reflected on the lessons learned, the resilience discovered, and the hope that carried them through.
A Masters’ dream on hold
Oyinlola, a 27-year-old App developer and video editor, says “2024 robbed me of my dream.” Getting her Masters’ in Australia would have been the next step to securing better career opportunities, but her dream was cut short every time Nigeria’s exchange rate declined.
“All these happened while my application was still under review with the Australian embassy, then I got the news that my visa application had been denied because the proof of statement which was initially more than enough had become insufficient.”
Oyinlola says the hardest part was having to come to terms with the fact that her setback was caused by reasons she had no control over, but she remains resilient in pursuing her dream.
Experiencing the greatest loss
Being an editor, creative director and photographer, doing a photography challenge and making a film would have been the perfect achievements for 2024. But things changed for Tobi when she experienced the greatest loss. “I lost my mum in January and many things changed, including myself”
While nothing could have prepared her for the experience, Tobi says family and friends have held her through the year. Weirdly and sadly, she also admits losing her mother made her family closer. “We all speak every day now, including my brother in the UK, and that has made us closer.”
While Tobi has had to put her plans on hold, she says she’s going to try again.
Multiple streams of income is no joke
It has been a resounding anthem that to survive in Nigeria, you need to have multiple sources of income. People, however, seldom speak about how difficult and mentally tasking it is to navigate.
23-year-old Joy, who works as a Salesforce administrator, had big plans coming into the year. “I planned to renovate my apartment, start a business, learn a tech skill then secure a well-paying job, but I will be closing the year with none of those things.”
“Every time I set out to do something, I faced significant life challenges. From balancing the demands of school to having financial responsibilities, everything made it hard to focus on pursuing new skills and starting a business. I lost my mind and gave up on everything.”
Although she has been unable to achieve any of the things she set out to do, Joy remains positive and motivated to keep pushing. Additionally, she expresses gratitude for receiving unwavering support from friends who stood by her.
Love deals the toughest blows
“I got engaged this year, and I was over the moon, but men are scum.” 31-year-old Mide, a realtor and business owner, discusses dealing with a pain nothing could heal. “My fiancé cheated, and gaslit me into thinking I was delusional until the girl stalked and messaged me with threats to leave my man for her. I did.”
Mide says she regrets doubting her intuition, but perhaps the biggest regret was letting her heartbreak affect her career. “I was messed up for months, and it ruined things with work. I lost my job, and I’ve been on the job market ever since.”
Niow, Mide says she’s sworn off love and is solely focused on growing her business and getting another job.
The health scare that reset my life
How would you handle hearing your doctor repeatedly tell you to brace yourself for a major change because you’re going blind? “I’m a writer, I need my eyes,” Deborah recounts telling her doctor repeatedly during a consultation that reset her life.
While the consultation finally filled the dots and answered questions she had for months, Deborah expressed difficulty coming to terms with her diagnosis. “Who goes blind in their twenties? What does it mean for my future? Can I get married like this? Can my kids get this from me?”
“Dealing with glaucoma has been tough, and I’ve had to make changes in every aspect of my life.” Uncertain about what the future holds, Deborah says she is determined to fight and beat glaucoma.
With their stories, these women reveal that though sometimes shaken, they remain unbroken, and their determination to rise above adversity is a testament to the indomitable spirit of Nigerian women.
