I’m Mercy Rachael Arogunjo, fervently dedicated to nurturing Godly children, guiding young girls toward purposeful living, and standing as a voice for women who may find themselves silenced. At the beginning of this year, I embarked on a role as a reporter, news transcriber, and news writer in a media organization, an adventure I began with the joy of taking a break from the school walls.

However, as I navigated the professional landscape, a disconcerting reality unfolded. My boss incessantly echoed antiquated views, asserting that women should submit to men. My internal response reverberated with a counter-narrative drawn from scripture, emphasizing mutual respect in relationships.

Unfortunately, my boss’s convictions transcended professional boundaries, extending into my personal life.

This experience thrust me into a perplexing space, a workplace where submission and accountability were demanded beyond the realm of professional duties. My interactions were scrutinized, my personal conversations questioned, and even my social media activities monitored. I found myself entangled in a web of restrictions that eroded the joy I initially derived from my work. A sense of being used and wondering if this was the definition of womanhood permeated my thoughts. It was my second stint with a corporate organization, and I grappled with the unsettling realization that such dynamics still existed.

Amidst the disheartening circumstances, a lifeline emerged from remarkable individuals, Hon. Peju Babafemi of the Ministry of Women Affairs in Ekiti state, Mrs. Omotola of Pure Impacts Inspirational Network, Pastor Tosin Alimi, and Pastor Ayo Ajobiewe. With their support and guidance, I summoned the courage to step away from the toxic environment, reclaiming my sense of self.

This narrative unfolds within a broader context, a world where women often find themselves victimized by gender inequality, violence, and sexual assault. Many bear the scars of these traumatic experiences, grappling with fear, diminished self-esteem, and the weight of societal stigma.

The 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, aptly themed “Inspire Inclusion,” serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to instigate and embody the inclusion of women across various domains, education, politics, business, decision-making, quality training, arts, and crafts. It underscores the urgent need to halt violence against women and eradicate the stigmatization faced by victims.

The celebration’s essence resonates deeply, a call to inspire women to speak boldly, discover their purpose, and live out their unique destinies. It advocates for the provision of opportunities for women to engage in quality training and education, participate in decision-making processes within families, businesses, and society at large. Above all, it champions an environment where women can give life to their ideas and experiment with innovative creations.

To inspire inclusion is to embrace the diverse tapestry of women, acknowledging differences in race, ability, and faith. It beckons us to collectively forge a world where women not only participate in leadership but also speak freely and manifest their creative visions.

As we join hands to shape this vision, we contribute to the creation of a world where women stand on equal footing, confidently expressing their voices and crafting narratives that defy limitations.

#InspireInclusion #InternationalWomensDay2024 #MercyRachael #SophieWrites #SophiesCraft