In a powerful reflection on the modern Nigerian woman's journey, luxury real estate advisor and advocate Sarah Stephen dissects a troubling trend: the subtle undermining of success among women. She identifies this behaviour not as strength, but as fear dressed up in good manners. Published on 17 January 2026 in Guardian Woman, her piece argues that while women navigate complex financial and personal landscapes, systemic barriers often turn supportive structures into obstacles, leading many to settle for less than they deserve.
The High Cost of Fear and Settling
Stephen observes that Nigerian women are multifaceted, striving for more in careers, relationships, and personal growth despite being caught in tumultuous currents. However, societal expectations and harsh financial realities frequently force a painful compromise of ambitions. This environment, she notes, breeds fear—a fear that can manifest as quietly accepting limitations or, worse, as undermining the achievements of other women who seem to be breaking through. This act of undermining, she stresses, does not strengthen any woman's position; instead, it slows the collective progress all are striving for.
Blueprints for Success: Learning from the Frontlines
The article highlights a transformative shift: the move from a "wait-and-see" mindset to one of proactive learning and access. Today, high-performing women—from Fortune 500 CEOs to pioneering entrepreneurs—are generously sharing their methodologies, decision-making frameworks, and daily disciplines through digital platforms and masterclasses. Their stories resonate because they reflect everyday struggles; their success is not accidental but born from rigorous, repeatable discipline. For instance, initiatives like Silkcoat’s N7.5 million intervention for grassroots women designers provide tangible boosts. Seeing such success up close, Stephen argues, gives other women the "substance to take irrational leaps" and build unshakeable confidence.
The Imperative for Collective Upliftment
The core message is a call to action. The era of isolation is over. With proximity and access no longer insurmountable barriers, the focus must shift to lifting each other up. Stephen, an advocate for women's financial freedom, emphasises that humility and the recognition that one cannot do it alone are essential for elevation. Embracing the shared blueprints for success now available is key. The final, resounding conclusion is that supporting one another is non-negotiable for rewriting narratives. Undermining another woman’s success ultimately undermines every woman’s potential.
