In a recent interview with Nollywood On Radio, actress Laide Bakare shared her perspective on the intersection of career aspirations and family life for young women. Her advice centers on the idea that career-driven women should consider having children early in their lives rather than making marriage their primary focus. Bakare posits that by starting a family early, women can create a supportive foundation that enables them to concentrate on their professional goals in their later years. This viewpoint reflects a shift in traditional societal norms, encouraging women to prioritize motherhood and their careers simultaneously.
Bakare emphasizes that her commentary does not suggest that marriage should be the ultimate goal; rather, the focus should be on building a family. She acknowledges the complexities involved with marriage, including the rising rates of divorce. Drawing from personal experience, Bakare revealed that her motivation for having her first child was not directly connected to marriage. “I never thought of marriage when I had my first child, I just wanted a baby,” she confessed, asserting that the desire for motherhood should not be overshadowed by societal pressures to tie the knot first. This reflection indicates a more liberated view of family structures and encourages women to prioritize their aspirations for motherhood.
Having two marriages and a diverse family life, Bakare has firsthand experience navigating the challenges and rewards of balancing personal and professional commitments. Her journey began with the birth of her first child, a daughter named Simi, in 2008 with her previous husband, Olumide Kunfulire. This experience led her to underscore the significance of early motherhood in her life, which allowed her to cultivate her career in the entertainment industry while being a dedicated mother. Furthermore, Bakare’s marriage to Lagos socialite Tunde Oriowo in 2013, with whom she shares two sons, adds another layer to her understanding of rearing children while pursuing professional success.
Bakare’s narrative aligns with a growing discourse among women who seek to redefine conventional roles regarding family and career. By encouraging the idea of starting a family without the immediate pressure of marriage, she advocates for a more nuanced approach to motherhood. This perspective empowers young women to make choices that resonate with their individual circumstances, thereby creating a pathway for successful careers alongside fulfilling family lives. By highlighting the importance of early motherhood, Bakare offers a fresh viewpoint on how familial and professional aspirations can coexist harmoniously.
In the ever-evolving landscape of societal expectations, the conversation around women’s choices and the timing of motherhood is increasingly relevant. Many women face significant societal pressure to prioritize marriage before starting a family; however, Bakare’s views challenge this narrative. By advocating for early motherhood, she invites women to explore a fulfilling life that allows them to embrace both their dreams of a career and the joys of parenting. In this way, she serves as a source of inspiration and support for those facing similar dilemmas, reinforcing the belief that personal happiness and ambition can be achieved in tandem.
Ultimately, Laide Bakare’s insights provide valuable guidance for career-driven women navigating the complexities of family life in conjunction with their professional aspirations. By encouraging early motherhood as a viable option, she underscores the importance of prioritizing personal desires and career ambitions while navigating societal pressures. Her reflections invite broader discussions about the diverse paths women can take in their pursuit of balance, happiness, and success, emphasizing that every woman can carve her unique journey on her terms.
