Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
To help women lead better, more fulfilling, and dignified lives, we have curated this list of 5 Resolutions for thriving with the unique struggles and aspirations of the modern woman in mind.
Happy New Year, dear reader!
Thank you for joining us on an exciting and transformative journey toward women’s liberation in Nigeria at Naija Feminists Media (NFM). We believe our work has made an impact in your life, and this year, we are committed to furthering our mission: championing gender equality and dismantling patriarchal strongholds over women’s lives, one story at a time.
To help women lead better, more fulfilling, and dignified lives, we have curated this list with the unique struggles and aspirations of the modern woman in mind. Whether you have a rough idea of what you want to accomplish or a well-defined, printed-out list of goals, we hope these suggestions will add a touch of fun and fulfilment to your plans.
- Spirituality/Wellness: The first day of a new year is often filled with mixed emotions, serving as a template for a fresh start. You may feel relaxed, hopeful, and excited about the potential that lies ahead. Prioritising your emotional well-being is a great way to kick off the year before life settles into its usual routine. If you’re religious, commit yourself to rediscovering the true and healthy essence of your faith, free from misogynistic cultural norms. If you’re curious or indifferent about major religions, explore alternative spiritual paths that resonate with you, discover feminine deities, or seek wellness practices that suit you.
- Reading: Reading is a timeless pastime with immense value. If you’re a fan of this activity, consider setting specific reading goals for the year ahead. This can be an invaluable way to learn about yourself and the world around you. If you’re hesitant about reading, see this as a call to action to cultivate a reading habit. Explore books on feminism and the self-image of African women; we have plenty of recommendations available in our NFM library!
- Career Development: This is often a given when making New Year’s resolutions. However, we’re encouraging you to focus on specific goals rather than a vague notion of improving your career or passions. Outline one or two areas where you want to make progress. For example, do you want to take a certification course, prepare for a promotional exam, seek mentorship, or secure funding for your business? Identify a major change you want to pursue in your career, write it down in a planner or jotter, and then break it down into specific steps to achieve it. Consider joining us at NFM, too, if you have creative skills. We’re always on the lookout for fresh talents.
- Friendship: While pursuing friendship goals may seem obvious, it can be tricky and elusive. A helpful tip is to engage with others regularly, even if it means taking small steps. Start with a warm smile at a friendly face, make a brief phone call to a friend, attend family functions in safe spaces, or join a community of like-minded women—whether for career or personal interests. At NFM, we have a welcoming community of diverse women, including feminist-organized friendship groups on social media. If in-person communication isn’t your forte, starting online is a good option, but ensure the space is focused on women.
- Community: Community engagement is a thrilling, rewarding, and sometimes challenging pursuit. Goals in this area may include volunteering, outreach, advocacy, or pro bono services. Giving back to your community is a fantastic way to foster a more equitable world, particularly for women and girls. Volunteering your skills, time, or resources can make a profound difference. Consider visiting orphanages, motherless babies’ homes, or shelters for women and girls in distress. If your schedule is tight, making donations to organisations like NFM, which are dedicated to women’s rights, can also be impactful. Engaging in advocacy and pro bono services provides similar benefits. These opportunities are available through NFM. You can join us as a volunteer and help spread the message of equality through advocacy or partner with us by offering your skills, services, or platform to improve women’s lives, both privately and institutionally.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of growth, connection, and empowerment!