Moms Round Table: A Safe Space for African Mothers to Speak and Be Heard
At Momat4ty, we are dedicated to fostering conversations that matter to African mothers, both on the continent and in the diaspora. One of our most impactful initiatives is the Moms Round Table live event on TikTok, where Nigerian and African moms come together to discuss pressing issues affecting them physically, emotionally, and mentally. As we wrapped up our second month of hosting this event, it has become evident that there is still so much to be said about motherhood in Africa, particularly regarding societal stigma, fertility challenges, and the urgent need for structured support systems.
January: Unpacking the Stigma Surrounding Motherhood
Our first discussion in January centred around stigma—a heavy burden many mothers bear in silence. The conversation naturally led to deeper questions about fertility, the options available to women, and the shame that often accompanies struggles with conception. Many women opened up about the pressures they face to conceive naturally and the lack of understanding surrounding alternative paths to motherhood.
February: Exploring ‘Option B’—Fertility Procedures, Surrogacy, and Adoption
Building on our first discussion, February’s session, tagged Option B, focused on fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption. The session was an eye-opener, revealing not just the misconceptions and societal bias surrounding these topics but also the stark reality that there are no institutional support systems in place for women navigating these paths. There is no policy in Nigeria that prioritizes or protects older mothers or women facing fertility struggles. The absence of professional guidance leaves many women feeling isolated, ashamed, and without proper emotional or psychological support.
A Cry for Help: The Need for Structured Support
The conversations in these sessions have made it clear—women need more than just discussion groups. While community-led conversations are vital, there is an urgent need for official organizations and expert-driven initiatives to step in. Women facing fertility challenges or exploring alternative motherhood options should not have to navigate this journey alone. They need structured emotional, psychological, and medical support.
One such initiative that could serve as a model is The Virtual Soul Clinic, a judgment-free safe space where women can share their most troubling issues and receive clarity. However, we need more experts to come forward and engage in these discussions. We need licensed therapists, fertility specialists, legal professionals, and policymakers to join the conversation and guide women through their options with informed, empathetic counsel.
The Call for Change: Advocacy and Mindset Shifts
Beyond support, there is a need for a societal shift in mindset. Women should not feel ashamed of seeking alternative paths to motherhood. They should not be judged for exploring surrogacy, adoption, or medical procedures to conceive. Instead, they should be supported, encouraged, and provided with resources to help them make the best decisions for their unique situations.
Nigeria has a massive female population, and if we truly value the role women play in society, then their health—both physical and emotional—must be prioritized. Women should not have to suffer in silence, nor should they feel forced to conform to outdated societal expectations that do not serve them.
Join the Movement
We are doing our best at Mom’s Round Table to bring these issues to the forefront and to enlighten the public. But we cannot do it alone. We invite experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups to join us in future conversations. If you have expertise in fertility treatments, surrogacy, adoption, mental health, or policy-making, we want to hear from you. Let’s work together to create sustainable solutions and ensure that no woman has to suffer in silence.
Motherhood should be a journey of love, joy, and support—not shame, secrecy, or fear. Let’s stand together to change the narrative.
Are you an expert or advocate who wants to be part of our future discussions? Reach out to us—we would love to have you on board!
Follow us on TikTok @momat4ty for our next Moms Round Table session, happening LIVE every 3rd Saturday of the month at 8 pm and let’s continue these critical conversations, together!
Love
Sush
