I inspire change through stories of resilience, gender justice – Ejiro

Dr. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor combines fiction and gender advocacy to address societal issues affecting women. In this interview with ENE OSHABA, she discusses how personal experiences, especially her mother’s resilience, inspire her writing.

Background

I am Dr. Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor, a professional with a PhD in Microbiology, specialising in TB/HIV co-infection and tuberculosis bacteriology. I have contributed to scientific research through publications in local and international journals. As a gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) specialist and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practitioner, I provide technical services to various organisations and manage Emerald International Development Services (EIDS) Limited.

I have held leadership roles, including Nigeria Country Director at CEDPA and Gender and HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator at UNIFEM (now UN Women). I also served as a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and a Lecturer at Ramat Polytechnic.

Beyond my professional work, I am a Pastor and Assistant General Overseer at Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA) and co-founded the Priests Assembly Peace and Social Justice Initiative (PPJ). I mentor women in GESI and M&E, helping them succeed in competitive fields.

As an author, I’ve written academic papers, training manuals, and books, including Monitoring and Evaluation Demystified and the Gender-Based Violence Manual for Religious Leaders. My work blends scientific expertise, gender advocacy, leadership, and spiritual impact, reflecting my dedication to creating positive change.

What inspired you to use fiction as a medium to address societal ills against women?

Fiction became my chosen medium because of its unique ability to reflect society while engaging and inspiring readers on a deeply personal level. From an early age, storytelling was my creative outlet, allowing me to explore complex emotions and societal dynamics. Despite my professional focus on science and gender advocacy, I have always seen stories as powerful tools for change. My inspiration stemmed from personal experiences, cultural observations, and a calling to challenge societal norms that perpetuate inequality and injustice against women.

My mother’s extraordinary life story – a blend of resilience and triumph – ignited my passion for storytelling. It was a narrative of love, faith, and overcoming societal challenges that deserved to be celebrated. Over time, I realised the transformative potential of fiction to address issues like gender-based violence, cultural stereotypes, and societal marginalisation. Embedding these themes into relatable characters and compelling plots; I could foster empathy, spark conversations, and inspire action.

Additionally, my experiences as a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist and my spiritual journey as a Pastor have influenced my writing. These roles exposed me to real-life struggles faced by women and girls, fuelling my desire to use stories as vehicles for advocacy. My novels, Trophy Husband and The Travails of Ọmọtẹjọmọ, exemplify this. Through these works, I have woven narratives that challenge patriarchal norms, address the stigma faced by victims, and celebrate the resilience of women.

Fiction allows for the portrayal of both the struggles and triumphs of women in a way that statistics and reports cannot. It provides a platform to not only highlight societal ills but also to present solutions, inspire resilience, and showcase the “God factor” in overcoming life’s challenges. For me, writing is both a calling and a mission to create a better world for women and future generations.

How have your novels sparked conversations or brought about change in gender advocacy?

Fiction has always been a powerful medium for exposing societal ills and inspiring change, and my novels exemplify this. Weaving relatable narratives around gender-based issues foster empathy, provoke thought, and inspire action. My works, including Trophy Husband, The Travails of Ọmọtẹjọmọ, and my upcoming novels My Boss Happens to Be My Ex and Tacking the Rainbow, serve as catalysts for advocacy and social transformation.

Each of my novels addresses pressing societal issues. For example, The Travails of Ọmọtẹjọmọ portrays the life of a girl navigating gender discrimination and violence in a patriarchal society. It has sparked grassroots conversations in women’s empowerment seminars, where participants identify with the protagonist’s struggles and triumphs. Similarly, Trophy Husband delves into themes of emotional betrayal, societal stigma, and resilience, encouraging readers to challenge harmful stereotypes and advocate for equity.

In My Boss Happens to Be My Ex, the intricate balance women must strike between professional demands and societal expectations at home takes center stage. This novel has already initiated discussions on the unequal domestic burden placed on women, emphasizing the need for shared responsibilities in relationships and workplace flexibility to support women’s dual roles.

My forthcoming novel, Tacking the Rainbow, explores the harrowing realities of human trafficking. By weaving together the experiences of trafficked women, it exposes the manipulative tactics of traffickers and the vulnerabilities that lead women to fall prey. The narrative also raises complex emotional and moral questions by exploring what happens when a trafficked girl falls in love with her trafficker. This story not only highlights the horrors of trafficking but also provides hope through pathways of redemption and empowerment.

These novels have become tools for advocacy. Trophy Husband and The Travails of Ọmọtẹjọmọ are frequently used in community settings to facilitate discussions on gender-based violence, economic independence, and resilience. For instance, readers of Trophy Husband have been inspired to explore entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging the protagonist’s journey of self-worth and triumph as a model for their own lives. Similarly, Tacking the Rainbow has garnered interest from anti-human trafficking advocates and is being considered for adaptation into visual media to broaden its impact.

My writing is a reflection of my commitment to advocacy. Through fiction, I aim to illuminate societal challenges, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire meaningful change. Whether addressing the struggles of balancing professional and domestic roles, the horrors of trafficking, or the resilience of women in patriarchal societies, my stories continue to spark conversations that challenge norms, inspire empathy, and drive action for a more equitable world.

Your works often highlight societal challenges women face. How do you ensure your narratives resonate with diverse audiences?

I ensure my narratives resonate with diverse audiences by crafting relatable characters and universal themes while remaining authentic to the specific societal challenges I address. My stories are grounded in real-life experiences and cultural contexts, allowing readers to see themselves or others they know in the characters’ journeys. On particular real-life stories that I draw from, I’d say,

My mother’s rich love story

What challenges have you faced in balancing your work as a gender specialist and your passion for writing novels?

Balancing my work as a gender specialist and writing novels requires careful time management and prioritisation. The demanding nature of advocacy work often competes with the creative energy needed for writing. However, I overcome this by dedicating early morning hours to writing, ensuring both passions receive focused attention without compromising on quality.

How do you see the role of storytelling in advancing gender equity and equality?

Storytelling is a powerful tool for advancing gender equity by humanising complex issues and fostering empathy. It bridges cultural and societal divides, making challenges relatable and inspiring action. Through compelling narratives, storytelling highlights injustices, celebrates resilience, and provides a vision of what equitable societies can achieve.

As someone with expertise in both gender advocacy and monitoring and evaluation, how do you assess the progress of gender equity efforts globally and especially in Nigeria?

Globally, gender equity efforts have made notable strides, such as increasing female representation in politics, education, and the workforce. However, progress remains uneven. For instance, the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Gender Gap Report estimates it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap. In Nigeria, despite some progress in girls’ education and legal frameworks, women still account for less than 10% of parliamentary seats and face widespread gender-based violence, with 30% of women aged 15–49 having experienced physical violence.

Women’s representation in parliaments is an indicator of progress towards achieving gender equality (SDG 5). Nigeria is doing badly: Four women in a Senate with 109 seats; 17 women in a House of Representatives with 360 seats; Zero women in 13 Houses of Assembly – Abia, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Osun, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

In an Inter-Parliamentary Union assessment of women in parliaments in April 2024, Nigeria ranked 54th out of 54 countries in sub-Saharan Africa assessed. The persistence of patriarchal norms and limited implementation of gender equality policies continue to hinder substantial progress.

What new strategies can you recommend to advance the gender equality struggle in Nigeria and the global narrative about gender issues?

To advance gender equality, adopting enforceable gender quotas in political and corporate sectors is essential to ensure women’s representation. The call for quotas has been consistently rejected. All countries of the world with a sizable number of women in parliament, including 41 out of 54 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, use one form of quota or another. Capacity building programmes should focus on equipping women with leadership, negotiation, and entrepreneurial skills to break barriers. Dismantling the invisible power of patriarchy requires targeted awareness campaigns to challenge discriminatory norms and promote shared responsibilities in households. Additionally, integrating gender equity into education curricula and strengthening laws to address gender-based violence are critical. Globally, fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector can accelerate the gender equity agenda.

How can women collectively leverage their resources and networks to achieve economic stability?

Women can achieve economic stability by building and utilising robust networks for collaboration, mentorship, and resource-sharing. I coordinate the Gals Global Hangout, a private group of 2,400 women from across the globe, which exemplifies the power of collective action. Through our annual physical retreats, we create opportunities for visioning, networking, and skills development, empowering women to achieve shared and individual goals. Women can pool resources, support each other’s ventures, and amplify their economic and professional impact by embracing cooperative models and digital platforms.

As a scientist and gender specialist, how can women equip themselves with knowledge and skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world? 

As mentioned earlier, women must embrace digital literacy and upskill in STEM fields, as these are pivotal to the future of work. Many women have access to phones. That is their connection to the world. Continuous learning through online courses, certifications, and professional development programmes is essential. Staying informed about industry trends and leveraging technology for innovation and entrepreneurship will ensure relevance and adaptability.

What role do education and mentorship play in empowering women during tough economic times?

Education, both formal and informal, equips women with the skills and knowledge needed to access better opportunities, while mentorship provides personalised guidance, support, and a clear roadmap for overcoming obstacles. Together, they instil confidence, foster resilience, and open pathways for women to thrive. In 2025, women must ask themselves practical questions: Where do I want to succeed? What can I do to succeed? How do I get help? Success will not come on a platter—it demands strategic effort, focused learning, and leveraging mentorship to achieve set goals.

What strategies would you recommend for women to balance self-care and productivity in 2025?

Women should prioritise self-care by setting boundaries, scheduling time for rest and relaxation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Incorporating regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and proper nutrition supports physical and mental health. To boost productivity, women can leverage digital tools for organisation, delegate tasks when possible, and focus on their most impactful activities. Balancing self-care and productivity is not indulgence; it is a necessity for long-term success.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to lead in fields traditionally dominated by men?

Young women should cultivate confidence in their abilities and actively seek opportunities to develop their skills and expertise. Resilience is essential—view challenges as opportunities for growth and leadership. Do not be intimidated by male-dominated spaces; instead, aspire to lead with excellence, integrity, and competence, demonstrating that leadership knows no gender.

Leverage constructive networks, mentorship, and professional alliances to guide your journey and open doors to new possibilities. Use social media wisely, not as a platform for superficial validation but as a tool to showcase your work, share ideas, and build professional connections. For example, platforms like LinkedIn can be used to highlight achievements, engage with industry leaders, and access global opportunities, while Instagram can be harnessed to promote advocacy campaigns or creative projects.

Always keep in mind, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Let Psalm 144:12 inspire you: “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.” Embrace your role as a pillar of strength and dignity, shaping the world through purposeful action, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Your success can challenge norms and inspire others to rise.

Always keep in mind, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Let Psalm 144:12 inspire you: “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.” Embrace your role as a pillar of strength and dignity, shaping the world through purposeful action, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. Your success can challenge norms and inspire others to rise.

What are your aspirations for gender equity and women’s empowerment in 2025 and beyond?

My vision for gender equity is a world where women and men have equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources, free from societal and cultural barriers. I aspire to see more women in leadership positions across all sectors, supported by enforceable gender quotas and comprehensive capacity-building programmes. My hope is for a society where patriarchy no longer dictates women’s lives and where gender-based violence is a thing of the past, with robust legal frameworks ensuring justice and protection for all. I also envision increased access to education, particularly in STEM fields, for girls and women, enabling them to thrive in the digital age.

How do you envision your writing and other works contributing to a better future for women?

Through my writing, I aim to highlight societal issues and inspire conversations that lead to meaningful action. My novels amplify the voices of women facing marginalisation, challenge patriarchal norms, and showcase the resilience and potential of women to rise above challenges. My advocacy work complements this by providing practical tools and frameworks for empowering women and addressing systemic inequalities. Together, my writing and advocacy create a dual impact: sparking awareness through storytelling and driving change through actionable strategies. I believe in the power of storytelling to humanise issues and motivate individuals and communities to champion gender equity.