The Biggest Challenges Women Face According to Personal Stories
Every woman has a story, a narrative shaped by unique challenges, societal expectations, and the drive to rise above them. In this week’s afrogist episode, we asked women from all walks of life to share their views on the biggest challenges women face. The answers were raw, powerful, and deeply reflective, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the everyday battles many women fight.
What stood out most, though, was the shared determination and resilience to keep going despite these obstacles. Join us as we explore these stories, focusing on the challenges women deal with and how they continue to fight for change and equality.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced so far as a woman was when I was in my late teens. Tried not to be influenced by peer pressure and social media.
Secondly, I was attempted to be molested by a family member just because I was a young girl that knows nothing much.
I was able to overcome this by having the right mentor and following the steps of a good role model.”
Flakky baby (F)
Nigeria
“The word Africanism and the need to act like a so-called African lady whose voice is never to be heard .”
Ibrahim Naomi (F)
Nigeria
“Overcoming Societal Expectations. As an African woman, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is overcoming societal expectations and stereotypes.
Determination to pursue my goals is how I have been able to overcome it.”
Terra (F)
Lagos
“Being born.
I overcame it by choosing life.”
Oluchi (F)
Nigeria
“A lot of things.”
Baby-Jane (F)
Nigeria
“Knowing that most men are predators.”
West (F)
Nigeria
“Living in Nigeria.”
Jay-Jay (F)
Nigeria
“Body-shaming and the society always having an opinion on my life.
I simply don’t listen to them anymore and focus on myself because at the end of the day, I’m all that matters.”
Lola (F)
Nigeria
“Trying to be an independent lady in a country without opportunities.
How I overcame this is that I did not try to sit down in my discomfort, but tried taking on multiple tasks, training myself in different skills so that whichever opportunity arises, I will be more than capable to handle it.
Thankfully I was able to handle most opportunities I could find and I am still training myself to be better.”
Euphoria (F)
Nigeria
“Thankfully, I haven’t faced much fr. Or maybe because I’m really just starting life. But biologically, the monthly flow can be overwhelming. The mood swings, body aches, cramps, nausea and tiredness that come with it. They’re overwhelming.
How did I overcome it? I didn’t lol. You just endure it because there’s no stopping it anytime soon.
Thank you!”
Favour (F)
Nigeria
“Personally, I’ll say navigating a male dominated space, and trying to be seen for your talent, and not for the way you look. I work in tech, and sometimes, in fact most times, roles that I am more than qualified for, I’ve seen it given to men with less experience, less passion for the task, and less skills. Did I mention that these men are paid more? It’s extremely frustrating and disappointing to say the least, that this is still happening in 2025
As to how I overcame it? Well, I am still trying to. It just means I have to work twice as hard. Hopefully a time will come when this won’t be a thing anymore.”
Mira (F)
Ghana
From career struggles to personal sacrifices, these stories paint a complex picture of what it means to navigate a world that often feels stacked against you.
The challenges women face are as diverse as the women themselves, yet there’s a powerful common thread that ties their stories together: resilience. Whether it’s battling gender bias, managing multiple roles, or overcoming societal expectations, women continue to rise above these obstacles with strength and determination.
These stories remind us that while progress has been made, the journey toward true equality is ongoing. By listening, supporting, and advocating for women, we can create a world where our challenges are met with understanding, respect, and real change.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman? (and how did you overcome it?) Share your thoughts in the comments below.
PS: Want to contribute to the current Afrogist episode? Click the link below.
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