Society overlooks women’s sacrifices, Mary Njoku reflects on women’s struggles
August 6, 2026 3:33 pm
Mary Njoku
Nollywood actress and media entrepreneur, Mary Njoku, has criticised society’s tendency to overlook the sacrifices and achievements of women, saying many carry enormous responsibilities without receiving due recognition.
In a post shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, the actress recounted a conversation with a male colleague who complained about the pressure of providing for others, building a business and supporting people who depended on him.
According to Njoku, she told him she understood his struggles, but he dismissed her response, insisting that women could not relate to such responsibilities.
“A few years ago, I was talking to a colleague I’d hired for a project.
“He was telling me about the pressure of having to provide, make money, build a business, and carry the burden of people depending on him.
“I told him, ‘I understand.’
“He said, ‘No, you don’t. You can’t possibly understand. You are a woman. Women don’t understand that kind of pressure.’
“I smiled and said, ‘Of course, how can I?’
“I signed his cheque, handed it to him, and wished him well. Didn’t argue.
“Reality doesn’t need defending. Sometimes, your life speaks louder than your words,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the experiences of many African women, the wife of IrokoTV founder, Jason Njoku, said countless women have spent years supporting their families financially and emotionally, often without acknowledgment.
“For generations, countless African women have carried the weight of entire families long before they ever had husbands or children.
“They helped raise siblings, paid school fees, supported parents, cared for relatives, and carried responsibilities that were never meant for one person alone. Some are still doing it today, even after getting married and starting families of their own.
“Yet, they rarely get credit for it.
“Sometimes, their sacrifices are overlooked. Sometimes, their achievements are credited to the nearest man in the room. Sometimes, they’re expected to carry the load so quietly that people forget they were carrying it at all.
“Society has long celebrated men as providers, while treating many women’s contributions as expected, invisible, or secondary,” she stated.
Njoku encouraged women to recognise the value of their efforts and celebrate their accomplishments.
“To every woman out there who is providing, building, leading, nurturing, sacrificing, succeeding at work, and still holding her home together…
“Take your flowers.
“You’ve been carrying far more than most people will ever acknowledge. Your work matters. Your sacrifices count. Your success is yours. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to own it,” she added.
Hannah Johnson is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over three years of professional experience in reporting, storytelling, and digital content creation. She blends traditional reporting skills with a modern, digital-first approach to journalism, producing content tailored for both web and social platforms. Hannah is skilled at turning complex topics into clear, engaging, and relatable stories that resonate with a wide audience. Her work reflects hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, audience-focused journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]