Nigerian entrepreneur Sophia Momodu recently spoke about her personal struggles with pregnancy outside marriage during a panel discussion in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. As the daughter of a pastor, Momodu revealed that her pregnancy was met with shame, mockery, and silence, making it a difficult period in her life. She shared her story, highlighting the challenges she faced and the importance of finding her voice.
Momodu's pregnancy became a significant part of her public story after she welcomed her daughter, Imade Adeleke, in May 2015. Imade is the daughter of singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido. However, at the UNGA panel, Momodu focused on the personal impact of the experience, particularly the judgement she faced and the difficulty of speaking for herself. Her comments reflected the pressure placed on women to remain silent about issues considered embarrassing or unacceptable.
According to Momodu, the stigma was particularly heavy because of her family and religious background. Becoming pregnant outside marriage as a pastor's daughter was viewed as a serious taboo. She recalled being advised by a family member not to discuss the situation publicly, which further contributed to her struggle to find her voice. Despite being a public figure, Momodu said she found it difficult to speak about what she was going through.
Momodu also spoke about the role another woman played in helping her regain confidence. The woman gave her a platform to tell her story, which eventually encouraged her to speak more openly about her experiences. This support was crucial in Momodu's journey towards finding her voice and using her experiences to speak about issues affecting women.
Momodu's appearance at the UNGA panel was part of her participation in activities around UNGA81, where she represented the Precious Jewels Foundation. She had announced her participation in the gathering on September 19, describing it as an opportunity to contribute to conversations focused on communities, meaningful change, and inclusion. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly's high-level General Debate began on September 22 and will run until September 28 in New York.
The panel discussion was a significant moment for Momodu, who had struggled to speak about her experiences for a long time. She emphasized the importance of finding her voice and using it to speak about issues that affect women. By sharing her story, Momodu hopes to inspire others to speak out and challenge the stigma surrounding pregnancy outside marriage.
Momodu's story highlights the challenges many women face in speaking about their experiences with pregnancy outside marriage. Her bravery in sharing her story is a testament to the power of finding one's voice and using it to create change. As a representative of the Precious Jewels Foundation, Momodu continues to use her platform to advocate for women's empowerment and inclusion.
Key points
- Sophia Momodu spoke about her personal struggles with pregnancy outside marriage at a UNGA panel in New York.
- Momodu's experience was marked by shame, mockery, and silence due to her family and religious background.
- She emphasized the importance of finding her voice and using it to speak about issues affecting women.
