Media personality, Toke Makinwa, has delivered a heartfelt message to unmarried women and those yet to have children, urging them not to allow societal expectations to determine their self-worth.
The popular host and entrepreneur recently welcomed her first child, a baby girl named Yakira Eliana, at the age of 40. Reflecting on her journey, Makinwa expressed deep gratitude for experiencing motherhood in what she believes was the perfect timing, guided by faith rather than public pressure.
Taking to Instagram, she shared screenshots of harsh comments she had received in the past, highlighting the negative scrutiny women often face regarding marriage and motherhood.
In her emotional post, she emphasized that a woman’s value should not be measured solely by these milestones.
“I’m not one to even acknowledge negativity. I’ve built a strong brand off the stones that have constantly been thrown at me over the years, and one thing about God, he loves the people you judge so much. I am only sharing this for anyone out there dealing with contention, delay, shame, and all the cràzy limitations life can sometimes throw your way,” she wrote.
Makinwa pointed out the persistent societal pressure placed on women, regardless of their personal or professional achievements.
“Funny how no matter how much you rise career-wise as a woman, society still glorifies the things that haven’t happened for you yet. Marriage has become some sort of a yardstick to fulfilment, and if you don’t have a child yet, hmmmmmmm! Very loaded sigh.”
Expressing profound gratitude, she celebrated her journey into motherhood as one that unfolded according to divine timing, not societal expectations.
“Thank you, Jesus, this one ended in praise. You were not late; you only wanted my heart posture to be right, and I’m thankful for the community of women you’ve given me in this season.
I know there are ladies who feel they are running out of time; society wants you to believe that you have expired, you might even start to believe it, but you are wrong.
I am thankful I did not settle, I’m thankful I got to be a mum when I am ready, I am thankful I rejected all these labels, and I am grateful it happened not when I wanted it but when God’s timing was right. It is perfect!”
The entrepreneur also shared her vulnerability during her pregnancy journey, revealing how fear led her to retreat inwardly, until she found peace through her faith.
“Do not underestimate the power of negativity. I ran away the whole pregnancy, I became so fearful, and I shut everyone out. Then this word came: ‘Perfect love drowns out fear.’ God is love, he gives good gifts, and it is perfect. I prayed it till my heart believed it.
The words hurt, but my spirit was not broken. They only reminded God about me, not that he forgot, but they challenged him to shatter the ceiling with this testimony.”
She ended her post with words of encouragement for others who may be waiting for different breakthroughs in their lives.
“So here’s my advice to you,
Hold on, drown out the noise, focus on the Vine, let him do the heavy lifting, celebrate yourself at every stage, you are becoming, and everything good will come. There will be days when it’ll get tough, but the victory is worth it. Congratulations in advance to anyone waiting, it doesn’t have to be a child, whatever you’re waiting on, it’s here.”
