Contemplations

Rooted Rising Initiative recently hosted an intimate gathering called Contemplations—a quiet, intentional picnic created for young women in the Niger Delta to reflect, connect, and speak honestly about their lived realities.

The gathering brought together fifteen ladies from civil society, academia, student communities, and young girls into one safe, open space. It was designed to be soft and free from pressure a place where women could show up fully without the need to perform strength.

The session opened with reflections from the Gender Lead, Onwuzuruike Chidera, on “Women’s Burden and Betterment.” She explored the weight of expectations placed on women endurance, sacrifice, silence—and the possibility of something different: a life where women can choose ease, define themselves, and exist beyond survival.

Conversations then moved into ecofeminism, where participants examined how environmental exploitation in the Niger Delta mirrors the treatment of women. The idea that extraction, of land, resources, and value is deeply connected to systems of power that also shape gender inequality. Many shared how environmental harm affects women directly, yet their voices are often missing from key decisions.

A powerful moment came during an activity where participants picked common beliefs about women from a basket and reflected on them. As they agreed, questioned, or rejected these ideas, it became clear how deeply such narratives are ingrained, and how important it is to challenge them.

There were also lighter moments, including a “Guess the Shero” game, which celebrated women’s contributions while sparking meaningful conversations. Throughout the gathering, participants shared stories, reflected deeply, and made personal pledges to speak up, to rest without guilt, and to promote a clearer understanding of feminism as equal access to opportunities for all.

By the end, one thing was clear: many of the burdens women carry are not natural, but shaped by society, culture, and religion. Yet, in sharing space and truth, there was also a sense of release, connection, and possibility.

Contemplations was the first of its kind for Rooted Rising, and it revealed a strong need for more spaces like this spaces where women can pause, be heard, and reimagine their place in society.

In a region where both land and people are under pressure, creating room for reflection, honesty, and community is not just meaningful it is necessary.