This is a show about African women and the different experiences life throws at them for being women. Each episode of I Like Girls features stories that take you on a journey into the unanticipated ways life impacts women.
The Medication Didn't Treat Me Well
When she turned 20, South African youtuber, entrepreneur and student, Zinhle Mnguni, was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Before her diagnosis, she spent a significant part of her life dealing with symptoms she didn’t understand. In this episode, she talks about what it’s like living with a mental health disorder, and how she is able to work through hard days.Through her story, we learn the importance of mental awareness as well as how to help loved ones who may be struggling mentally.Zinhle’s Youtube channel:here. -To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
9/12/2023 • 47 minutes, 1 second
Legally Blonde
Fike Odulaja spent a significant part of her life studying and preparing to be a lawyer. But when she started practicing at the age of 23, she realized that the profession wasn’t for her. She made the difficult decision to quit and start from scratch, crafting a new path for herself. In this episode, she opens up about her new beginnings and what it took for her to reinvent herself in a new field - product management. Through her story, we learn about the power of self-discovery and how, as women, it’s okay to carve out new career paths.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
9/5/2023 • 39 minutes, 16 seconds
That's My Bestfriend
Simi and Nma are best friends in a long-distance friendship. Despite not having seen each other in person since 2019, their bond remains as unbreakable as ever. In this episode, they discuss meeting each other in university, growing into becoming best friends and how they navigate being thousands of kilometers apart. Through their inspiring story, we gain insight into the profound significance of female friendships and the powerful role women play in supporting one another.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
8/29/2023 • 34 minutes, 28 seconds
That's Not My Name
Across the globe, many women adopt their husband's surname post-marriage. In Nigeria, there's no legal obligation to do this, but it remains standard practice. However, a growing number of women are challenging this norm and sticking by their birthnames even after marriage.Nigerian artist, entrepreneur and designer, Damilola Marcus is one of them. In this episode, opens up about how her name is an integral part of her identity and shares some thoughts on the tradition of changing names post-marriage. She also discusses the pushback she sometimes gets for choosing to retain her birth name. -To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
8/22/2023 • 38 minutes, 35 seconds
Once Upon My Little Blue Dress
In November 2022, after almost two years of dealing with pockets of targeted harassment on social media, Zippie Githaiga, aka Spicy, chose to log off from her social media accounts. The Kenyan producer and radio presenter had been subjected to cyberbullying by bloggers and social media users due to her choice of wearing a short blue dress during one of her radio interviews.In this episode, Spicy discusses the impact that this experience had on her as well as how she managed to find solace amidst the deluge of hurtful comments. She also addresses the societal tendency to exert control over women's decisions, including personal matters such as their clothing preferences.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
8/15/2023 • 29 minutes, 15 seconds
Let's Talk About This Marriage Thing
British-Nigerian aesthetician, Maxymilia’s life was significantly shaped by her Nigerian parents' decisions. Throughout her childhood, she found herself obliged to conform to her parent's wishes, leaving little room to express her own desires. In this episode, Maxymilia opens up about how her upbringing profoundly influenced her educational, career, and relationship choices. Particularly, she discusses her initial struggles with the concept of marriage due to the lasting impact of her parent's influence, as well as her journey of healing and growth from those experiences. -To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
8/8/2023 • 27 minutes, 36 seconds
I Am Not Mommy
In African societies, becoming a mother is considered standard practice, as many women choose to get married and have children. But what happens when you decide not to? In this episode, Nigerian Public Health Specialist, Chizo, openly talks about her decision to be childfree. She talks about witnessing the risks of pregnancy firsthand, which contributed to her choice, as well as realizing that raising children was not aligned with her long-term aspirations. She also discusses how, despite societal expectations, she has found peace and contentment with her decision not to have children.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
8/1/2023 • 25 minutes, 29 seconds
I Am Mommy
Becoming a mother is a life-long journey that transforms the course of one's life. It’s a road paved with an abundance of love, sacrifice, and responsibility. In this heartfelt episode, we dig into the story of Motunrayo Oladeji, a Nigerian Communications Manager, who discusses the impact of having a child. Motunrayo candidly narrates her experiences with pregnancy, giving birth, and the ongoing process of discovering the best ways to nurture her little one.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
7/25/2023 • 36 minutes, 15 seconds
Navigating PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that impacts the functioning of a woman's ovaries. It is a lifelong condition that comes with symptoms such as irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and an excess of male hormones.In this episode, we dig into the experiences of Courtney Daniella Boateng, a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and women’s wellness advocate, to shed light on PCOS and its unique manifestations in African women. Courtney candidly shares her personal journey and how she has managed to lead a healthy and joyful lifestyle despite her diagnosis.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
7/18/2023 • 39 minutes, 59 seconds
You Can't Shame The Shameless
Nigerian nursing student Temitope Fatima has pursued multiple careers throughout her professional journey. She has held positions as an associate writer, teacher, social media manager, communications advisor, and most recently, a healthcare support worker. In this episode, she shares her experiences of constantly navigating various jobs and explains why it is important for her to explore as many roles as possible until she discovers what truly brings her fulfilment. What are the consequences of frequently switching careers? What are the gains and losses involved? Through Fatima's journey, we gain insight into the process of reinventing oneself as a woman repeatedly.-To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
7/11/2023 • 29 minutes, 15 seconds
Diary Of A First-Born Daughter
What are the consequences of being the first-born daughter in an African home? It often means having more chores and responsibilities, as well as the task of setting a good example for your siblings. In some cases, it also entails taking on the role of an unofficial parent. In this episode, we dig into the experiences of Anita Eboigbe, a Nigerian Media Operations Lead, as she shares her story of being the firstborn daughter in a Nigerian home. -To get behind-the-scenes information about every episode, subscribe to our spam-free newsletter here.
7/4/2023 • 31 minutes, 27 seconds
July 4th is about consequence
Season 3 of I Like Girls is about consequence. It digs into how the choices and decisions women make, whether significant or minor, lead to inevitable outcomes that are unique to our gender. Through the real-life experiences of multiple women across Africa, we showcase how the seemingly arbitrary choices we make as women can have far-reaching and inescapable consequences. We’ll bring you new episodes every Tuesday, starting July 4th. Sign up for our newsletter here to get behind-the-scenes information you won’t hear on the podcast.
6/28/2023 • 1 minute, 50 seconds
Making the magic happen
In this episode finale hosted primarily by Mo Isu, the I Like Girls team takes you behind the curtain to see how we make magic - produce the podcast. We also share how each of the stories we’ve covered has resonated with us over the past year. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
9/27/2022 • 21 minutes, 8 seconds
Kayan Mata
Kayan Mata is the general name for natural aphrodisiacs originating from the North of Nigeria. These sex enhancers have existed for centuries and are often used to prep brides for marriage as they step into their sexual awakening. In this episode, we explore this world of tried and tested aphrodisiacs, as well as unpack Northern Nigeria’s market for sex.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
9/20/2022 • 37 minutes, 28 seconds
Sister, Sister
In 2019, Ibifubara and Joanna got to know each other better and eventually grew to become best friends. In this episode about the importance of female friendships, the two women talk about experiencing life together - the good, bad and ugly - as well as being a strong support system for each other. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
9/13/2022 • 34 minutes, 1 second
I lived a double life (rerun)
This episode originally aired in August 2021.-Have you ever felt like a secret agent? Living one life that nobody knows about and another that is in the glare of the public? In this episode, we speak to a Nigerian woman, Bisi, who had to live with having a rich but absent father, and a struggling but present mother. Bisi shares her difficult childhood story and how her double life now manifests in her marriage.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
9/6/2022 • 20 minutes, 13 seconds
You're not your trauma
This episode is a profile of Rwandan therapist, activist and motivational speaker, Tabitha Mpamira. Her childhood experiences - being a refugee and discovering psychology - have shaped who she is today. In this episode, she opens up about growing up, and why it is important for her to help young women and girls work through their trauma.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
8/30/2022 • 34 minutes, 28 seconds
There's nothing I can't do.
This episode is a profile of the public life of young Nigerian entrepreneur and communications specialist, Damilola Odufuwa. She talks about her love for the media, working in crypto and being a champion for women’s rights. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
8/23/2022 • 34 minutes, 15 seconds
I need more food because I need less food
What’s it like eating food to lose food? In this episode, Nigerian programs manager, Karina Karunwi, talks about her complicated relationship with food and her life-long journey of healing from a food disorder. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
8/16/2022 • 44 minutes, 17 seconds
This thing called sex
When Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah turned 30, she co-founded “Adventures from the bedrooms of African women,” an award-winning Ghanaian blog focused on sharing and documenting the experiences of women around sex, intimacy, dating and relationships. Through the blog, Nana is making the sexual pleasure of African women a gender equality priority.In this episode, the writer and feminist speaks about her first interaction with sex and why it’s essential for women and girls to be taught about sex with honesty. She also discusses her new book, “The Sex Lives of African Women: Self-Discovery, Freedom, and Healing.” To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
8/9/2022 • 31 minutes, 50 seconds
This has no cure
What’s it like having extreme mood swings that affect the quality of your life?Growing up, Fareeda Abdulkareem experienced constant mood swings. On some days, she was bubbly and full of ideas; on other days, she felt so low that she could not perform mundane tasks. She would later discover that her feelings and symptoms were a result of a condition known as bipolar disorder. Through Fareeda’s story, we learn some of the ways bipolar disorder can present itself, and how she is navigating life with the knowledge of her mental health. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
8/2/2022 • 37 minutes, 35 seconds
The Money Woman
Oluwatosin Olaseinde is the founder of Money Africa, a financial literacy platform that arms people with information on how to save, invest and grow their money. Oluwatosin is well put together now in terms of money management, but she wasn’t always like this. In this episode, she talks about experiencing a financial awakening that pushed her to start taking her finances seriously. Through her story, we learn the importance of money management and what it’s like running a business like hers. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
7/26/2022 • 32 minutes, 32 seconds
It didn't kill me, but...
When S.I Ohumu turned 13, she began to experience feelings of loneliness, suicide and anxiety. She would later discover that her symptoms were a result of her mental health; she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. In this episode about mental health, S.I talks about constantly fighting to stay afloat and the coping mechanisms she employs to do this. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
7/19/2022 • 49 minutes, 2 seconds
The 'craziest' woman in Uganda
This episode is a profile of Ugandan feminist and human rights activist - Dr. Stella Nyanzi. Stella has been described as ‘crazy’ for her unconventional methods of activism, which often include nudity and poems laced with sexual innuendoes. Through her story, we learn that there’s no one way to fight for the rights of women and girls. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
7/12/2022 • 51 minutes, 1 second
Ms. Latty's Nine Lives
Ms. Carmen Latty is a Jamaican educator with over 50 years of experience building and developing schools in multiple countries, including Nigeria. She has worked as a teacher, policy advisor, board member and consultant at multiple schools across the globe. In this episode, she speaks about starting small, overcoming many challenges and finally getting to the top of her career. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
7/5/2022 • 38 minutes, 50 seconds
I tried investing, I got scammed
This is a Piggyvest bonus episode featuring Nigerian law student, Temituope Kekema. In 2021, the law student made some investment choices that led her to lose a significant part of her savings. Through her story, we learn about investments and things to look out for when trying to grow money. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
6/28/2022 • 20 minutes, 59 seconds
Everything Hurts
This episode is a profile of the public life of Kenyan LGBTQ activist Marylize Biubwa. Marylize uses her social media accounts to dispel myths about women and the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up, she experienced abuse and was eventually sent out of home after coming out to her family. Since then, she has been a loud advocate for women like her. Donate to Marylize’s fundraiser here: https://tinyurl.com/ygxpy6jv.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
6/21/2022 • 41 minutes, 52 seconds
My Extensions Built This Empire
Ever wondered what it takes to be a business owner catering to Africans across the globe? This episode with Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, Oluremi Martins, explores the ups and downs of running a business. Through Oluremi’s journey, we learn the many ways to grow a business and the things that can hinder its success. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
6/14/2022 • 28 minutes, 47 seconds
Ms. Lecturer
What’s academia like for women? In this episode, through the story of a Nigerian Ph.D. candidate and university lecturer, Munyale, we learn about the discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment that African women in academia often face.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
6/7/2022 • 28 minutes, 32 seconds
"I was only 14."
When Musu was 14 years old, her family married her off to an older man. As a teenager, she was forced to deal with the consequences of child marriage. Now that she's much older, she shares how she was able to get her life back on track. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
5/31/2022 • 26 minutes, 20 seconds
The Adeno Story
In this episode, Nigerian actor, Nse Ikpe-Etim talks about being diagnosed with adenomyosis, a medical condition that affects the fertility of women. She discusses her journey to healing, and getting a hysterectomy. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
5/24/2022 • 30 minutes, 45 seconds
I got pregnant, then everything changed
10 years ago; Samoina Wangui was thrust into motherhood unprepared. She would later find out that her physical, mental and emotional struggles resulted from a medical condition known as postpartum depression (PPD). In this episode, she talks about dealing with PPD and helping others heal.She also talks about starting up a non-profit, postpartum depression Kenya, to help women heal. Reach out to postpartum depression Kenya here: https://www.facebook.com/ppdKE/ To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information from Aisha Salaudeen, and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
5/17/2022 • 50 minutes, 27 seconds
Inside Life: I bend, I don't break
Seyi Oluyole is a Nigerian teacher, dancer and screenwriter. In this episode, she speaks to host, Aisha Salaudeen about surviving an abusive marriage. She also talks about walking out of the marriage and how she's coping with the aftermath of it. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here. You will get behind-the-scenes information on every episode and find out what the rest of the team is up to.
5/10/2022 • 36 minutes, 43 seconds
On May 10th, it's all about hope
Season 2 of I Like Girls is all about hope and survival. Through the experiences of African women who have overcome various challenges in their daily lives, we document stories about finding light at the end of the tunnel.We’ll bring you new episodes every Tuesday, starting May 10th. Sign up for our newsletter here to get behind-the-scenes information you won’t hear on the podcast.
5/2/2022 • 1 minute, 59 seconds
Mean Girls?
Have you ever heard of the “angry black woman”? It’s a stereotype that portrays black women as naturally angry, ill-tempered, and sassy. In many cases, the stereotype is used to describe women who are bold and assertive. This episode features two women -- Nelisa and Janice. They tell us about being labeled “angry” and “mean” for being assertive and confident in course of doing their work. We also learn the many tricks both women use to cope with being stereotyped for simply doing their jobs.
10/12/2021 • 31 minutes, 30 seconds
This is unfair
The world is full of many firsts. The first time you walked as a child, the first time you earned money as a college graduate, or if you’re a woman, the first time you clocked that the world is prejudiced towards people like you.This episode explores the stories of two women -- Yasmin Abdel-Magied and Ndiilo Nthengwe. Both women tell us about the first time they experienced discrimination as a result of their gender.
10/5/2021 • 42 minutes, 44 seconds
Woman Enough
For the past few weeks, we’ve focused on the struggles of African women and how life impacts them differently. But what happens when society doesn’t even see you as a woman? In this episode, we speak to a trans-woman, Sabs, who is navigating womanhood in a society that doesn’t like her for being her true, authentic self.
9/28/2021 • 32 minutes, 39 seconds
The internet told me so
In today’s world, women often find that they are expected to look, dress or act a certain way to be accepted by society as beautiful. This episode is about two women -- Aisha and Esinet. Aisha was bullied for her body as a child, and Esinet for her skin color. Both women share their experiences dealing with a society that does not consider them attractive.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
9/21/2021 • 38 minutes, 25 seconds
But...you're religious
In conservative and/or religious African societies, many people find feminism controversial. Some religious scriptures have verses that ratify gender roles and imply that men and women are not equal. As a result, some people believe that feminism is incompatible with religion.In this episode, we speak to two Nigerian women who are religious and feminist, and we explore how they were able to reconcile these two seemingly opposite ideologies.
9/14/2021 • 44 minutes, 53 seconds
I can't rent the apartment I want
In Nigeria, many property owners refuse to rent out their apartments to single women. In this episode, we explore the bizarre notion that women who are unmarried should not be living alone without male guidance.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
9/7/2021 • 23 minutes, 54 seconds
"I lived a double life"
Have you ever felt like a secret agent? Living one life that nobody knows about, and another that is at the glare of the public? In this episode, we speak to a Nigerian woman who had to live with having a rich but absent father, and a struggling but present mother. Bisi shares her difficult childhood story and how her double life now manifests in her marriage.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
8/31/2021 • 19 minutes, 41 seconds
Invisible women
Have you ever felt invisible? Pushed to the side like you don’t matter? As a result of gender inequality and patriarchy, many women have felt this way. In this episode, we speak with two women forced to deal with invisibility as a result of racism, misogyny, and Islamophobia.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
8/24/2021 • 20 minutes, 49 seconds
This F Word
What does feminism mean to you?Google says feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of equality of the sexes. But many women define their feminism differently -- based on religion, location, or life experiences. In this episode, we explore the different experiences that shape two women’s feminism.To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
8/17/2021 • 28 minutes, 37 seconds
OMG! My doctor thinks I'm exaggerating.
What happens when your doctor thinks you’re exaggerating your symptoms?In this episode, we explore medical gaslighting (a situation where doctors dismiss their patient’s symptoms) and how it impacted the health and livelihood of two Nigerian women. To get inside information about every episode, subscribe to our newsletter here.
8/10/2021 • 25 minutes, 32 seconds
Introducing 'I Like Girls.'
This is a show about African women, and the different experiences life throws at them for being women. Every week, 'I Like Girls' will share stories that take you on a journey into the unanticipated ways life impacts women. The first episode drops on August 10. Subscribe to our newsletter here to be the first to know when the episode drops.