Dear ,

On this International Women's Day, I want to speak directly to you not as a subscriber but as a woman whose story matters.

You are the soul of the earth. You multitask, you protect, and you nurture often without recognition and frequently without rest. You are extraordinary, even on the days you feel completely ordinary.

If you have ever been blamed for being single, barren, divorced, or widowed or for raising your children alone, I want you to know: it is not your fault. If you have ever been judged, criticized, or made to feel like a failure because of how your child or teenager turned out through their struggles, their choices, or their rebellion, that is not your fault either. You loved them with what you had, in the season you were in. You showed up even when you were running on empty. You were never the problem. The world's failure to celebrate you does not diminish your worth—not even slightly.

This day, I am thinking of Chioma Okoli, who was detained and lost her pregnancy for simply speaking her truth. Of Tracy Ohiri, who was arrested for doing nothing more than asking for money owed to her since 2014. Of Virginia Giuffre, who chose courage over silence when silence would have been far easier. Of the women of Chibok, Dapchi, Baga, and Kwara—taken, terrorised, and violated, yet unbroken. And of the indefatigable Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stood where many would have fallen and proved that no powerful institution can permanently silence a woman who knows her worth.

I am thinking of every mother who has buried a child before their time—whose arms still ache with an absence the world cannot fully comprehend. Grief that size deserves far more than a moment's acknowledgment.

And I am thinking of my mother.

She was the first face of strength I ever knew. The woman who carried an entire world on her shoulders and still poured out love without measure. She is the reason I became who I am, and she is the reason Beyond the Goat Pen exists.

Beyond the Goat Pen tells the story of Omotunde — a resilient African woman who defied every odd stacked against her, walked barefoot through unimaginable terrain, and still arrived at her destiny. Omotunde is not just a character. She is every African woman who has ever been underestimated, overlooked, blamed, and broken and still found a way to bloom. She is my mother. She is me. And I believe, in many ways, she is you too.

I am beyond honored to share that I was recently interviewed by Europe Books about this book—about why I wrote it, who it is for, and the message I hope every woman takes away from its pages. It is a conversation close to my heart, and I would love for you to read it.

🎙️ Read the full Europe Books interview here: https://www.europebooks.blog/europe-books-presents-beyond-the-goat-pen-an-african-womans-journey-lets-meet-the-author-latifah-ajetunmobi-and-discover-all-she-has-to-say-about-her-book/

Whether you are buying it for yourself or gifting it to a woman who needs to be reminded of her strength, her dignity, and her destiny—this is the book for her. This International Women's Day, give her a story that will stay with her long after the last page. 📚

👉 Search "Beyond the Goat Pen" in your preferred store today.

To every woman reading this, you are not just enough. You are extraordinary.

If this touched your heart, please share it with a woman who needs to hear it today. 💜

Happy International Women's Day. 🌍🌹

With love and celebration,

Latifah Ajetunmobi Nurse | Midwife | Coach | Author of Beyond the Goat Pen, latifahajet.com

P.S. — If you have already read Beyond the Goat Pen, it would mean the world to me if you left a review on Amazon or your preferred bookstore. Reviews help more women find this book — and every woman deserves to find it. Thank you! 🌹

© Latifah Ajetunmobi 2026