THEWILL DOWNTOWN MARCH 09, 2025 by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

EDITOR’S NOTE

EPhoto: Kola Oshalusi @insignamedia Makeup: Zaron

very year, on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day with different themes. This year, the theme is Accelerate Action, emphasising the urgency of removing structural obstacles that prevent women from advancing.

According to the International Women’s Day website, “at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.”

Our cover personality is Arese Ugwu, an author and advocate for financial literacy who is slowly changing how women around Africa and the rest of the world think about their finances. Through her best-selling book The Smart Money Woman, which she also made into a successful TV series, she has been able to arm women with information about managing their finances.

Read Arese Ugwu’s interview on pages 8 to 10.

Have you ever wondered if there are womencentric clubs around the world? In honour of International Women’s Day, we have listed some of them you should know about. Most of them are a haven for women to network and get support from other women. Scroll on to page 14 for this.

You may want your perfume to last from morning till nightfall, but sometimes, the fragrance fades away after a few hours. Do not worry; we have some hacks to help your fragrance last longer. You’ll find this on page 12.

Don’t forget to click on the instructions below the QR codes on page 16 to download our playlist. The selection will have your head bopping in no time.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

@onahluciaa + 2348033239132

04-05 FASHION

#UNSHAKABLE TRUTHS

8-10

BEAUTY

15 16 13 14 REVIEW DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL LIVING COVER

DÉCOR

6 Stylish Ways to Wear Bold Prints

C is For Choices; Choices Made at The Cross-Roads

Arese Ugwu Empowering African Women Through Finance

6 Interior Design Mistakes You Should Never Make

WELLNESS

Fragrance Hack 6 Ways to Make Your Perfume Last Longer

The Power of Sisterhood Why Female Friendships Matter

Female-Centric Social Clubs And Communities You Should Know

What Next After Revenge?

Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer

Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.

AUSTYN OGANNAH

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa

Writer: Johnson Chukwueke

Design & Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’

Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun

Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’

www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown

Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind

- Contributing Writer

Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.

Ogaaa at the top Congrats love you are creating a movement

WEAR BOLD PRINTS 6 Stylish Ways to

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Incorporating bold prints is a playful and expressive way to give your wardrobe personality. Bold prints can make a statement and give you more self-confidence, whether abstract patterns, loud animal prints, or vivid florals. Let’s face it, though, it might be challenging to pull off without feeling overpowered or out of place. The good news? To rock bold prints like a pro, you don’t have to be a master in fashion. You may attract attention for all the right reasons if you follow a few simple tips. This article will show you six stylish ways to wear bold prints effortlessly.

START SMALL WITH ACCESSORIES

Start small if you’re new to bold prints. This trend can be introduced gradually using accessories. Consider a bold-print pair of shoes, a striking bag, or a printed scarf. Without feeling overpowering, these minor details can add flair to an otherwise basic ensemble. For instance, add a colourful flowery headpiece to your regular jeans and shirt ensemble, or pair a small black dress with a leopardprint purse. Accessories play with prints while keeping the rest of your outfit balanced.

PAIR PRINTS WITH NEUTRALS 2

Combining bold prints with neutral hues is one of the simplest ways to style them. Consider bold prints to be the focal point of your ensemble, with neutral hues serving as the backdrop. Wearing a patterned skirt with a solid black top or a blouse with a vibrant print with white pants are two examples of pulling this off. This style makes the print shine without overpowering other elements, giving your ensemble a refined and deliberate appearance.

3 MIX PRINTS WITH CARE

Are you feeling daring? Don’t hesitate to mix and match prints. Pairing prints that have at least one hue in common is crucial. As long as the colours are similar, you can pair a floral skirt with a striped shirt. Mixing designs of different sizes is another piece of advice. For example, pair a large, bold-flowered pair of pants with a small polka-dot shirt. Without appearing overly disorganised, this contrast produces a harmonic and balanced appearance.

5 USE OUTERWEAR AS A STATEMENT

Bold-print outerwear is a trendy way to make a statement. A patterned blazer, kimono, or coat can instantly change even the simplest look. Imagine wearing blue trousers, a simple white T-shirt, and a vibrantly printed jacket. The outerwear instantly elevates your appearance and requires minimal effort. This is ideal for days when you don’t want to overthink your attire but still want to create an impression.

OPT FOR A MONOCHROME PRINT

If you find vibrant, multicoloured prints a little too striking, try monochrome prints instead. Prints in black and white, such as checkered patterns or zebra stripes, are eye-catching but more muted. They provide prints’ assertiveness without the intensity of vibrant hues. Wear a checkered shirt with white slacks for a sleek, contemporary appearance, or pair a black-and-white printed dress with black heels.

6 BALANCE WITH SIMPLE SILHOUETTES

When wearing bold prints, keeping the silhouette simple can prevent the outfit from feeling too loud. For instance, a fitted floral dress or a straightleg pant in a bold pattern works well because the shape is classic and clean. Avoid overly complicated designs or excessive layering, as they might compete with the print. Let the bold pattern take centre stage, and keep everything else sleek and minimal.

CONCLUSION

Bold prints don’t have to be scary. With a little creativity and confidence, you can effortlessly integrate them into your daily look. You can make this style work for you in several ways, whether you start with modest accessories or go straight for statement outerwear. Remember that the main goal of fashion is self-expression, so enjoy trying out different prints until you discover one that truly suits you.

C IS FOR CHOICES; Choices Made at The Cross-Roads

We are all just a single moment away from becoming a different person. A whisper of fate. A sudden twist. The moment before and the moment after, and the space in between is where life shifts forever.

A heartbeat before impact, the driver gripping the wheel had a choice. Brake or swerve. A decision so minuscule in time yet monumental in consequence. A father sits in a hospital waiting room, the air thick with antiseptic and unspoken prayers. Just hours ago, he was discussing dinner plans with his wife. Now, a single phone call has rewritten his world.

At the cross-roads of life, choices stand like unmarked signposts. They ask nothing of us but to decide, yet they demand everything in return. Some choices appear mundane — what to wear, what to eat, which route to take home — but even these have the potential to ripple into eternity. Others are seismic. Stay or leave. Hold on or let go. Say yes or say no.

The woman standing at the immigration counter had spent the past year debating this very moment. The weight of her past and the pull of her future fought within her as she gripped her passport.

‘This is it,’ she thought. ‘One stamp, and I rewrite my story.’

The officer barely glanced at her before stamping approval. A single motion of his hand, yet to her, it was the severance from everything she had once been.

Life often disguises destiny as a choice.

But sometimes, the choices at the cross-roads are what sculpt destiny itself.

For me, one of the most defining choices came during a tough separation in my marriage. At that very cross-road, I had a career

And then, there are the choices we do not even realise we are making—the ones we sleepwalk into, the friendship we let fade or decide to fight for, the love we neglect or choose to re-ignite, the dream we push to ‘someday’ until someday becomes never, the slow erosion of courage until all that remains is a person we no longer recognise.

Yet, amid the chaos of cross-roads, there is an #Unshakable truth: choice is power. Choice is autonomy. The ability to carve a new path, to pivot, to begin again. Some choices require courage beyond measure, like walking away from a life you’ve built because you finally realise it was never truly yours. Others demand faith — the willingness to leap when you can’t see the ground beneath you.

If life is a series of choices, then what we become is the sum of those decisions. A tapestry woven from moments of risk and restraint, of heartbreak and hope, of knowing when to fight and when to surrender. We choose, and in choosing, we create ourselves.

At the heart of it all, the ability to choose self-love is perhaps the most powerful decision of all. In The Love That Lasts by Sally Chiwuzie (me!), self-love is not just an act but a foundation upon which all other choices rest. The choice to honour oneself, embrace self-worth, and build a love that is #Unshakable within becomes the catalyst for every other decision that follows. When we choose self-love, we choose resilience, we choose peace, and we choose a life where every cross-road leads not just to survival but to fulfilment.

Perhaps destiny is cast in stone, but are we sometimes able to stir it one way or another? Is the prayer, therefore, not that we make the right choice at the cross-roads?

And perhaps, when we reach the end of this road, we will look back not with regret but with reverence. Not at a life unmarked by mistakes but at one shaped by the courage to choose.

decision to make — one that seemed to zigzag my life in ways I could never have predicted. That choice led to the creation of the #Unshakable brand, born from the resilience that comes with embracing uncertainty. The decision to podcast forced deeper introspection than I had ever known, leading to the publication of The Love That Lasts, with more works in the pipeline.

Next week: D is for Destiny. Because the choices at the cross-roads are never just about where you are now — they are about where you are meant to be.

‘See’ you next week.

ARESE UGWU

EMPOWERING AFRICAN WOMEN THROUGH FINANCE

International Women’s Day, observed on March 8th every year, serves as a reminder of the advancements and the ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, emphasises how urgent it is to remove structural obstacles that prevent women from advancing. Women around the world are taking a stance, advocating for equal rights, elevating one another’s voices, and bringing about change. These women are actively establishing environments where other women can flourish, taking on leadership roles, building lasting legacies, and fighting for equality.

Arese Ugwu, an author, businesswoman, and advocate of financial literacy, is one of these exceptional women changing how African women think about money. Through realistic storytelling, her best-selling book, The Smart Money Woman, examines the financial challenges faced by contemporary African women. Arese did not stop at the pages of her book. She turned her book into a popular TV series that is currently in its second season.

In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Arese Ugwu discusses her passion for women’s empowerment, the inspiration behind her groundbreaking work, and how financial literacy can change the lives of African women.

What feedback have you received from readers about how the book has impacted their financial decisions?

I self-published the book in 2016, but to this day, I get DMs and emails from women all over the world telling me how the book and TV show inspired them to make changes in their financial lives, whether it’s starting to build a stock portfolio, buying their first piece of land, or getting a handle on their budgets. Seeing people so invested in the stories and characters you created is humbling and fulfilling.

I have gained through the process. I’ve taught myself to write scripts and learned on the job to be a producer, and this year, I’ve directed two projects I’m super excited about.

“Building financial literacy skills is important. Your ability to understand essential financial concepts and make informed decisions about saving, investing and borrowing is especially crucial when you are navigating difficult times.”

Can you share one key lesson from The Smart Money Woman that you think every young African woman should know?

What inspired you to write The Smart Money Woman, and did you imagine it would resonate so deeply with readers across Africa?

Storytelling is a very powerful tool for learning, for shaping culture and changing perspectives. I ultimately wanted to create something that spoke to the more complicated aspects of being a modern African woman, and in the centre of that was our finances and how we navigated financial decisions in love, in family and in friendships. If I’m honest, I wanted it to make an impact but my mind could never fathom the impact it would have across Africa.

“Storytelling

I think the key lesson is about self-awareness, knowing yourself enough to know what your value is, what skills you can leverage to take advantage of opportunities, not being pressured into doing things your income can’t support because of societal pressures, and generally not compromising long-term success for short-term validation.

is a very powerful tool for learning, for shaping culture and changing perspectives. I ultimately wanted to create something that spoke to the more complicated aspects of being a modern African woman, and in the centre of that was our finances and how we navigated financial decisions”

What inspired you to start the Smart Money Tribe Podcast, and what unique perspectives do you bring to the platform? I wanted to create a platform that not just interviewed Nigerian business leaders about their journeys but also delved into their business and personal finance decisions. A conduit for learning for women like me who were extremely interested in topics like this and like to learn from other people’s experiences.

How do you decide on the topics and guests for each episode?

It’s mostly current affairs, with topics that are pertinent at the time and guests who I think have interesting stories.

What do you think sets your podcast apart in the crowded world of personal finance content? I think my content generally stands out because of its authenticity. People love stories they can either see themselves in or aspire to and my content is always very specific to the challenges of the modern African woman.

“The major challenge was that my vision was bigger than my budget, and I was attempting to do something on a scale for which I had limited resources. Bringing this project to life was definitely an adventure.”

What motivated you to adapt the book into a Netflix series, and how did you find the process of transitioning from author to producer?

I mostly followed the audience’s feedback during a Pan-African book tour that took me from Kenya to Mozambique. And women everywhere kept saying, “I could totally see this book as a movie... I keep imagining it as a film.” So naturally, I began to do some research into what it would take to make that happen and what business model would be most profitable. We went on to create a TV series that went on African Magic, Netflix and YouTube. It’s been a gruelling journey, but I’m so grateful for all the learning

How does season 2 of The Smart Money Woman Series differ from the first season, and what new themes are you exploring?

The goal for season 2 was to be bigger and better. I think it had more scale because we shot in three cities. Lagos, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The themes this season were mostly around women getting money together and how, despite our individual struggles, we can leverage each other’s strengths for economic empowerment. There are other themes around religion, financial abuse, collective investing and the pros and cons of that, raising capital in spaces that were created for men to dominate and much more.

What were some of the challenges you faced in bringing season 2 to life, especially with the added depth of the characters’ stories?

The major challenge was that my vision was bigger than my budget, and I was attempting to do something on a scale for which I had limited resources. Bringing this project to life was definitely an adventure.

How do you ensure the series remains both entertaining and educational for viewers? By using storytelling to delve into topics that people are genuinely interested in and proffer possible solutions—for example, the cost of our dreams vs. the reality of our expenses.

How do you define success, and has that definition changed over the years?

I measure success by my ability to smash the goals I’ve set for myself and the impact my work has had on millions of people.

What keeps you motivated to continue breaking barriers and advocating for financial empowerment in Africa?

My daughter Zikora is my biggest motivation. I want her to see through me, what is possible for women to accomplish in spite of obstacles. Even when I fail, I want her to learn from watching me navigate downturns and win.

If you could give one piece of advice to young African women who want to take control of their finances, what would it be?

Building financial literacy skills is important. Your ability to understand essential financial concepts and make informed decisions about saving, investing and borrowing is especially crucial when you are navigating difficult times. Making smart, effective financial decisions can help you stretch your dollars further.

6 INTERIOR DESIGN MISTAKES

You Should Never Make

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Creating a gorgeous and cosy house requires more than choosing chic furniture and décor. A few common mistakes can make your home feel unbalanced or less welcoming. Avoiding these six interior design mistakes can help you create a comfortable and fashionable atmosphere, whether you’re furnishing a new house or redecorating an old one.

(1) IGNORING FURNITURE SCALE AND PROPORTION

A room’s appearance and feel might be destroyed by selecting furniture that is either too big or too small for it. Even while an enormous sofa could seem nice, if it takes up most of your living room, it will make it feel small. However, small furniture might look clunky and out of place. Before purchasing furniture, take accurate measurements of your space and think about how it will be arranged. Combine big and little pieces to make a welcoming, well-balanced area that is easy to walk around in.

(2) RELYING ON A SINGLE LIGHTING SOURCE

Setting the tone of a room is greatly influenced by its lighting. Using a single overhead light is a common mistake that can give a room a cold, uninviting feeling. Instead, arrange your lighting in layers using accent (decorative), task (focused), and ambient (general). This gives your room warmth and depth. Remember to make the most of natural light by not covering windows with thick drapes or furnishings.

(3) PLACING ALL FURNITURE AGAINST THE WALL

Although it would seem like a good idea to push all of your furniture up against the walls to create more space, doing so can make a room feel crowded and uninviting. Instead, move the furniture away from the walls to create comfortable conversation zones. For instance, in a living room setting, position your chairs so that they face one another. This promotes conversation and creates a cosier, more balanced atmosphere.

(4) OVERLOOKING FUNCTIONALITY

Functionality is crucial in interior design, despite the temptation to prioritise beauty over all else. Having a lovely home that does not meet your needs is not realistic. For instance, a beautiful table without any storage or a classy chair with poor comfort may seem nice, but they aren’t practical for everyday use. Consider the intended use of the space as well as the users. To make your house cosy, choose items that are fashionable and practical.

(5) CHOOSING INCONSISTENT COLOUR SCHEMES

Colour can greatly affect a room’s mood. However, using too many strong hues or sticking to a bland palette might upset the balance. To prevent this, use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the dominant colour, 30% of the secondary colour, and 10% of the accent colour. This formula helps to create a unified, aesthetically pleasant appearance that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.

(6) LACK OF PERSONAL TOUCHES

A house without personal touches may seem cold and uninspiring. Don’t stock your room with just trendy or showroom finds. Instead, incorporate items like cherished souvenirs, original artwork, or family photos that represent your personality and life experiences. Personal touches provide warmth and character to your place that trends just can’t match, making it seem more like home.

By avoiding these common interior design mistakes, you can make your house feel cosy and distinctively your own. When beauty and functionality come together in a well-designed place, your house is a true expression of who you are.

BEAUTY

Fragrance Hack

6 Ways to Make Your Perfume Last Longer

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Spending money on a beautiful scent only to have it fade away after a few hours is the most annoying thing ever. Even if you want your signature perfume to last from morning to nightfall, it may fade too quickly. The good news is that there are easy ways to extend the use of your perfume on your skin and clothing. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your scent fresh throughout the day, this article is for you. Here are six quick and efficient methods to prolong the wear of your scent.

2. SPRAY ON PULSE POINTS

The warmest areas of your body are your pulse points and heat aids activating and diffusing your scent. Your neck, inner elbows, behind the knees, behind the ears, and your wrists are good areas to apply your scent. Your fragrance might last longer because these areas naturally produce scent as your body warms up.

When the skin is moisturised, perfume lasts longer. Dry skin absorbs scents more quickly, causing them to fade more quickly. Before you spray your perfume, dab your pulse points with petroleum jelly or an unscented lotion to help your scent stick. The moisture will also prolong the scent throughout the day.

After applying perfume, a typical mistake made by many people is to rub their wrists together. In fact, this disintegrates the molecules of the aroma, hastening their dissolution. You can either let the scent dry naturally or dab your wrists together softly instead of rubbing.

Fabric retains fragrances longer than skin. Spray your fragrance softly on your clothing, scarves, or even inside your jacket to keep it lingering throughout the day. Nevertheless, some scents can discolour delicate materials like silk, so be careful while using them. Your hair has a good capacity to retain scent. Brush your hair with a tiny bit of perfume that has been sprayed upon it. To avoid drying out your hair, avoid spraying directly on your hair, especially if it contains alcohol.

The length of time your perfume lasts on your skin depends on where you store it. Heat, sunlight, and humidity can diminish the quality of the scent. Keep your perfume out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark location, such as a drawer or shelf. The heat and dampness in the bathroom can eventually destroy it, so don’t store it there.

Layering is the use of various scented products that complement each other. Many perfumes have matching oils, body lotions, or shower gels. Combining them helps intensify the scent and prolong its duration. If your perfume doesn’t come in a matching set, use unscented oils or moisturisers to avoid scent conflicts.

Your perfume should reflect who you are, and you should be able to wear it all day. These easy tips can maximise every spritz. Put these suggestions into practice to enjoy a long-lasting scent wherever you go.

THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD

Why Female Friendships Matter

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

There’s something magical about the bond between women, a connection that transcends time, distance, and even words. It’s the knowing glance that says, I’ve got you, the tight squeeze of a hug that instantly makes a bad day better, and the late-night conversations that feel like therapy.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise that female friendships aren’t just a luxury; they are necessary for emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. Here’s why the power of sisterhood is worth celebrating, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day.

A Safe Space to be Unapologetically You

Female friendships offer a unique kind of emotional refuge. Unlike any other relationship, sisterhood allows women to be raw, unfiltered, and fully themselves without fear of judgment. In these friendships, women can laugh until they cry, vent about life’s struggles, or share their wildest dreams, knowing they will be met with support, not scepticism. This emotional safety net fosters confidence, self-expression, and resilience— things every woman needs in a world that often demands perfection.

Emotional And Mental Well-Being

Research has shown that strong social connections improve mental health, reduce stress, and even extend life expectancy. Women, in particular, thrive when they have deep, meaningful relationships. Having a solid circle of female friends can help navigate heartbreak, career setbacks, motherhood, and everything in between. It’s no wonder that the first instinct is to call a trusted girlfriend when life gets overwhelming.

Celebrating Success Together

A true sisterhood isn’t just about comforting each other in times of sorrow—it’s about celebrating wins, no matter how big or small. The narrative that women should compete against each other is outdated and damaging. The real power lies in women clapping for each other, cheering from the sidelines, and opening doors for those who come after them. Whether it’s securing a promotion, launching a business, or simply getting through a tough day, having female friends to celebrate with makes every victory sweeter.

Strength in Solidarity

There is undeniable power in collective female strength. Women have historically come together to fight for their rights, demand equality, and create lasting change. From the suffragette movement to modern-day feminist advocacy, sisterhood has been at the heart of every revolution. When women unite in boardrooms, protests, or everyday life, they amplify their voices and break down systemic barriers.

The Lifelong Bond

Unlike fleeting relationships, true sisterhood withstands the test of time. While romantic relationships and jobs may change, a solid group of female friends remains a constant source of love, laughter, and wisdom. These friendships evolve with us, adapting to different life stages while remaining just as meaningful.

On International Women’s Day, let’s honour not just the women who inspire us from afar but also the ones who stand beside us every day. Let’s celebrate the power of sisterhood, the friends who become family, the cheerleaders who push us forward, and the women who remind us of our strength when we forget it ourselves. Because when women support women, they are unstoppable.

LIVING

BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE

Female-Centric Social Clubs T

And Communities You Should Know

here’s something powerful about women coming together to create spaces that uplift, inspire, and empower. Whether it’s a book club that fuels the mind, a business network that opens doors, or a wellness collective that nurtures the soul, femalecentric social clubs and communities are more than just groups; they are safe havens for connection, collaboration, and growth.

The Wing (Global)

A pioneer in womenfocused co-working and social spaces, The Wing has become synonymous with female empowerment. Originally launched in New York, this global community provides stylish workspaces, networking events, mentorship programs, and wellness resources tailored for ambitious women. More than just a place to work, The Wing fosters a culture where women can exchange ideas, build businesses, and support each other’s growth.

She Leads Africa (Africa)

For African women looking to break barriers in business and leadership, She Leads Africa (SLA) is a must-know platform.

This dynamic community offers career coaching, skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, and a strong digital presence filled with inspirational success stories. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or someone figuring out the next career move, SLA is a space where ambition meets action.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to spotlight some incredible social spaces designed by women for women. These clubs go beyond networking; they foster deep friendships, encourage professional development, and remind us of the strength found in sisterhood. If you’re looking to expand your circle and be part of something bigger, here are some female-led social clubs and communities you should know about.

Ellevate Network (Global)

If you’re all about smashing glass ceilings, Ellevate Network is the community for you. This global network of professional women is dedicated to advancing gender equality in the workplace. Through mentorship, workshops, and exclusive networking events, Ellevate offers an inspiring platform for women to thrive in their careers.

HeyMama (Africa)

Motherhood is a journey best travelled with support, and HeyMama provides just that. This exclusive community is designed for working moms, offering resources, career advice, and connections with other ambitious mothers balancing work and family. It’s the perfect space to gain insights from women who truly understand the challenges of modern motherhood.

Women Who Travel (Global)

Founded by Condé Nast Traveler, Women Who Travel is a vibrant community designed for women with an adventurous spirit. From curated group trips to online forums where travel enthusiasts share tips and experiences, this club is perfect for female explorers seeking new friendships and global adventures. Whether you’re a solo traveller or looking for a travel tribe, this community proves that the world is best explored together.

Female-centric social clubs and communities provide the support, inspiration, and motivation needed to thrive, no matter your journey. This International Women’s Day, take the opportunity to invest in sisterhood and lift each other up.

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

What Next After Revenge?

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Did I regret my actions? No. Was I happy about what I did? Maybe a little. Was my decision fulfilling? Oh yes, very much so. The confusion and pain I saw on his face when he discovered us felt fulfilling. I could say that moment relieved me of the pain he made me go through. But did that joy last as long as I wanted it to? No.

That night, I found myself asking the question, “What next?” What next after dating someone I never loved to get back at Victor? What next after agreeing to have an affair with Victor’s best friend to prove that he was the problem, not me? What next after choosing Chris to regain the self-esteem that my relationship with Victor had emotionally damaged? What next after everything I did to feel better about myself and maybe escape reality?

The moment he caught us in bed, and I saw the pain in his eyes, the anger in

me died down, and I realised the bitter truth: I wasn’t over him yet. I only did what I did because I was angry.

Before you judge me, Victor deserved everything I did to him — and maybe more. But somehow, I suddenly felt like I had punished myself, not him.

Victor and I started well. He wasn’t just someone I loved; I was obsessed and attached to him. Victor was my source of happiness. Oh, how much I loved everything about him: his smile, his voice, the way he walked, his aura, everything. I used to think the universe itself wrote our love story.

I remember our first kiss. It was perfect, electric, and unforgettable, just like I had imagined it in my head. As if that wasn’t enough, that night, we made love. The crazy part? We only agreed to kiss that night because I wanted to take things slow, but the moment I felt his lips on mine, I lost all control. Despite

the pain, because it was my first time, I didn’t want him to stop. We would still laugh about how I kept begging him not to stop, no matter how much it hurt. There was a certain way he made me feel during intimacy, a level of ecstasy I never wanted to come down from. He would always say only he had the power to make me feel that way, and he was right.

We were perfect — or maybe I thought we were — until I caught him in bed with someone else. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I thought I was dreaming. Imagining Victor giving another woman the same pleasure he gave me was unbearable. And the worst part? I didn’t find out through texts or a friend; I saw it with my own eyes. I heard him moan the same way he did with me. I kept asking myself why he cheated. There was no argument between us. I gave him everything he wanted. I tried my best to be enough for him. It’s funny how we had a long conversation that morning, and he wouldn’t stop talking about how much he loved me. Why he cheated remained a mystery to me.

The betrayal shattered me. It crushed my self-esteem. I lost confidence in myself and started believing I was the problem. I was losing myself more every day until I decided I needed to do something before I disappeared completely. I needed to do something to make myself feel better. And that’s how Chris came into the picture. I knew he was Victor’s best friend, but I didn’t care. I never loved him, but I needed someone to help me escape my reality — or maybe someone to use for revenge.

Chris and I dated for a month before Victor found out. He came to my place to apologise but caught me in bed with Chris that day. I thought I would feel happy and fulfilled, thinking I’d finally gotten my revenge. But instead, I felt sad. That moment made me realise I still loved Victor but couldn’t unsee what I saw him do.

Now that I had satisfied my need for revenge, I was left unsure about the future. I doubted things would ever go back to normal. I doubted Victor would ever come back, not after what he saw. But deep down, I knew I was still ready to accept him if he apologised. The problem was, I wasn’t sure he ever would.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

It’s What’s Inside

InIt’s What’s Inside, a group of old college friends reunite to party together one last time before one of them— Reuben (Devon Terrell)—gets married. They had planned for a night of drunken revelry and nostalgic reminiscence, only for things to take a very different turn when Forbes (David W Thompson)—the oddball friend who none of them have heard from since their student days—turns up clutching a mysterious briefcase.

Writer-director Greg Jardin’s debut feature film is whirring with creative energy right from the get-go. The film opens with an argument between Cyrus (James Morosini) and Shelby (Brittany O’Grady), with the camera whipping back and forth between the long-term boyfriend and girlfriend at an increasingly rapid clip until the effect is almost nauseating. On the car ride to the get-together, the screen starts sliding apart into different segments, displaying Shelby’s social media feed as Cyrus’s voice gradually takes up less and less of her attention.

When the pair of them finally arrive, two other guests—Brooke (Reina Hardesty) and Maya (Nina Bloomgarden)—fill them in on the events that led to Forbes’s expulsion from the group, depicted for the audience as a flipbook-style series of Facebook photos from that night, with the details changing as Brooke and Maya correct each other’s memories. It’s a lot of fun, but it quickly becomes clear that It’s What’s Inside isn’t just here to dazzle us with visual trickery.

From the split-screens to the flashbacks to Cyrus and Shelby’s obsession with their influencer friend Nikki (Alycia DebnamCarey), everything in the film points toward a central idea about how we see ourselves and each other. And that idea becomes even more important to them all when Forbes opens up his briefcase to reveal a machine that allows them all to swap bodies.

It’s a clever sci-fi conceit that It’s What’s Inside builds an even cleverer story around as the group decides to play a Mafia-like game where they all swap bodies at random (or, at least, Forbes assures them that it’s at random) and try to guess who each person really is. Most interestingly, we get to see actors first

playing their own character and their character playing another character as they try to avoid detection. It’s head-spinning stuff in the most enjoyable way as you try to keep track of which characters you’re really watching at any given moment.

The chance to step into each other’s bodies also gives each character an opportunity to do things they’d never have been comfortable doing in their own skin. The film wisely ratchets up the messiness of it all by establishing that this is a social group filled with unrequited crushes, secret affairs, and long-held resentments, all of which rise to the surface as the night wears on.

At one point, the characters sit in a circle while preparing for the next round of the game to begin. The camera turns from one face to the next, moving faster and faster until the whole room is spun into a colourful blur. And that’s the sensation that best sums up It’s What’s Inside, as the camera, the cuts, the needle drops, and the story twists all contribute to the feeling of a machine that’s spinning faster and faster until, finally, it careens right out of control.

To a certain degree, it can feel like our sense of who each character is and what swapping into a particular body might mean to them gets a little lost in the shuffle. The film floats ideas about Shelby envying Nikki’s allure and how the more nebbish guys like Cyrus might envy Reuben’s extroverted charms, but it’s all a little thin. This becomes slightly more of a problem when some of the third act’s drama relies upon one of these dynamics.

For its big finale, the film tries to pull off a Midsommar-esque blast of catharsis. When we watch a guy get burned alive in Ari Aster’s film, we’re aware that this can’t rationally be called a just punishment for his crimes, but it’s satisfying all the same because the man in question has been an unrelenting, gaslighting asshole, and the sort that usually goes unavenged on screen. It’s What’s Inside gets the formula a little bit off and the blackly comic note it ends on is rendered much less satisfying as a result. But just as a good party game isn’t ruined by a lacklustre final round, Jardin’s film is far too pleasurable to hold its mildly disappointing conclusion against it.

Rating:8/10

The White Lotus returns for a third instalment in the HBO anthology series. This time around, the series visits Thailand to deconstruct the American social psyche. Religion, attachment, sexuality, gender roles, and consumerism are all central themes, along with the ubiquitous fear of old age and death.

Tanya, played by Jennifer Coolidge, anchored the resort dynamics in the first two seasons. As she succumbed to a tragic death in season two, her absence is palpable at the start of the new season, particularly with a first episode that plays a bit flat, but the lack of her presence is aptly set aside once the drama unfurls.

Jason Isaacs shines as Timothy Ratliff, the Wall Street baron under duress, while Patrick Schwarzenegger (yes, you know his dad) has a breakout moment as Saxon Ratliff, the young buck reared in fraternity halls looking to make his mark on the world.

Parker Posey plays a strong supporting role as the depressed

country club wife, and Michelle Monaghan leads a trio of girlfriends on an escape from everyday life.

Like a lotus in muddy water, Mike White gives his characters room to breathe, cleanse, blossom, and discover parts of themselves they never knew were there. White

shines a mirror on hot-button topics while filling gaps between the crescendos with elegant and eviscerating details. The creator can dust his hands when the viewer squirms and cringes at the onscreen escapades.

With a third season, one might worry The White Lotus’ formula might grow stale, perhaps leaning too heavily into familiar devices to hook viewers in simply to see what happens next. And yet, White manages to pull a rabbit out of a hat and once again captures the viewer in the present for an unexpected quest of self-discovery.