Mariam Adeyiga says gender bias and pressure to compromise challenge women in Nollywood careers.
The actress insists on values, celebrating rising female leadership in Nigeria’s evolving film industry.
Nollywood actress and producer Mariam Adeyiga, says sometimes it is expected to compromise to move forward in Nollywood, revealing other challenges like gender bias in the Nigeria’s film industry.
In a recent interview with The Nation, Adeyiga highlighted that she had to overcome challenges like gender bias, typecasting and emotional labour to build her career in the Nigeria’s film industry and to stay true to her craft.
“There are challenges, no doubt. Gender bias, typecasting, the emotional labor that goes unseen, and sometimes being expected to compromise to move forward,” she said.
She added that despite the pressure, she has always chosen to stand her ground and maintain her principles.
“But I’ve learned to stand my ground, to walk away from anything that doesn’t align with my values, and to surround myself with people who respect my work.
“The good news is that things are changing. More women are producing, directing, and leading. It’s powerful to be part of that shift.”
Adeyiga, who began her career professionally in 2013, said her deep passion for storytelling remains her biggest motivation.
“Acting allows me to step into different lives and bring untold stories to light. The audience keeps me going too.
“When someone reaches out and says, your character helped me heal or you made me laugh when I needed it most, it reminds me how powerful this work is,” she said.
