49th Street: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Makua Adimora: Women’s History Month on paper is a month set aside to celebrate women’s contributions to history — both past and present. But to me, this shouldn’t be confined to one month. Women should be celebrated and documented all year round. Not just ‘strong’ and ‘successful women’, all women. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge and I think this is a great time (as is any) to challenge the status quo and harmful stereotypes that foster unfavorable environments for women. It’s about giving women the opportunities, resources and adequate support needed.
49th Street: Navigating the industry, is there any time you have felt that being a woman put you at a disadvantage? Could you give an example of one of such times?
Makua Adimora: Personally, I’m yet to face such a situation. I say yet because I know it’s not a given that I won’t experience such, just because of my gender. Thankfully though, I work in a company that values, champions, and appreciates women all year round so it’s never really been something I’ve thought about.
49th Street: Is there a time you have felt that being a woman gave you an advantage? Can you give an example of such a time?
Makua Adimora: Not particularly. But I’d say some opportunities I’ve gotten were specifically designed for women, so if that’s an advantage then I guess.
49th Street: Mention some of the females who have inspired you to be where you are right now? Fictional or not?
Makua Adimora: My mom has been my hero since I was a toddler and just seeing her navigate the world everyday, doing everything on her own terms and challenging all stereotypes, makes me not want to live my life any other way. She taught me that my life is mine and mine to live and I’ve never looked back since.
My dear friend and colleague, Tami Makinde, who inspired me to live this dream that is my current reality & inspires me everyday with her work. She’s a phenomenal writer and an all-round baddie.
Damilola Animashaun & Woju Aderemi, whose culture documentation and criticism teach me new ways of thinking, with every read.
And of course, Ivie Ani, my literal idol & the baddest journo in the game. An iconic woman whose work constantly inspires young black women in media like me.
49th Street: Do you feel the female gender is underrepresented in your field?
Makua Adimora: Absolutely. I saw a tweet earlier this week asking for “top-level” female culture writers because he had never seen any. I had to laugh. There are so so many amazing women in media doing the damn thing and being baddies while at it too. The problem here is lack of opportunities. More often than not, many opportunities that’d give these women more visibility are passed off to their male counterparts even if these women are more qualified for the job. It’s sad, but we have to do better. Hire women. Empower women. Document women. That’s the only way to even out the playing field.
49th Street: If you could give any advice to a little girl who wants to be where you are right now, what would you say?
Makua Adimora: I personally don’t think I’ve achieved nearly a tenth of everything I’m determined to. However, I will say anyone trying to do anything should always always believe in themselves. You’re your own worst enemy. Kill those lingering thoughts of self-doubt (I’m still working on that haha) & get up and do it.
49th Street: If you had to do it all over again as a woman, would you?
Makua Adimora: Any day, any time. I’d never trade being a woman for anything.
