Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has shared her views on marriage, success and self-worth, arguing that getting married or having children should not be treated as the ultimate measure of a person’s achievements.
In a recent interview, the actress urged people to stop judging success by marital status or parenthood.
Reflecting on success in Nollywood, Etinosa said talent and hard work are important but believes divine grace ultimately sets successful actors apart.
“The difference between successful actors and not successful actors. I feel like it’s grace. Hard work is part of it, but I can never say hard work is all of it.”
The actress also spoke about the lessons she hopes to pass on to her daughter, saying self-respect and self-worth are among the most important values she wants her to learn.
“If I don’t teach my daughter anything, I will teach her how to respect herself, how to value herself.”
According to Etinosa, a woman who understands her worth is less likely to tolerate disrespect from others.
Etinosa maintained that society places too much emphasis on marriage and childbirth as indicators of success, insisting that neither should define a person’s accomplishments.
“Marriage is not an achievement, having children is not an achievement.”
The actress also criticized what she described as the different standards society applies to men and women.
She argued that women are often unfairly judged and labelled, while similar behaviour by men is overlooked.
“If they’ve never called you Ashawo in this life as a woman, it means you’re not successful.”
She added:
“Women are often labeled as ‘Ashawo,‘ even though there are men who also sleep with people to get what they want.”
Etinosa concluded by encouraging women to focus on their personal growth rather than comparing themselves to others.
She urged women to draw inspiration from others’ success rather than become envious, while remaining confident in their own value and identity.
