An alternative narrative
This picture puts a huge smile on my face. I saw it on Instagram and had to share.
I don’t know any of these women but they all graduated as medical doctors in a University in Northern Nigeria.
From their attires, I believe they are beautiful Muslim women.
Why am I pleased?
This is an alternative narrative showcasing educated Muslim women from Northern Nigeria—A narrative not often shared.
I must confess, I grew up mostly in southern Nigeria, and have very little experience of the core Northern women, their lives, struggles and triumphs.
All I know is from second hand information and the media. And that narrative is of subdued women who rarely have the chance to get a good education.
There may be women who are in that category, but this picture shows a different story. And I’m here for it.
It’s inspired a novella in my head.
I’ll need a beta reader who knows about the Northern part of Nigeria and about Islamic religion with respect to women well enough to guide me, so that I can tell that story properly.
#BookIdea #AlternativeNarrative #DangerInTheSingleStory
You are right. The narrative needs to be changed. There are many Muslim women who are carving their own futures. And we need to hear about and celebrate them. Ignorance is definitely not bliss. It leads to fear, hate, prejudice, and misconceptions. Kudos to you for your story idea. In its own way, it will help stamp out these things.
Thanks Liza.
it’s really bad that even in the same country, the narrative of a certain group can be manipulated by the press and media. I’m on a quest to find more stories about educated, independent muslim women from Nigeria!