Media personality, Toke Makinwa, has shared an inspiring message to unmarried women and those yet to have children, encouraging them not to let societal pressure define their worth.

After welcoming her first child, a baby girl named Yakira Eliana, at 40, Toke expressed gratitude for God’s timing in her life.

On Instagram, she posted screenshots of negative messages from trolls, acknowledging the criticism women face over marital status and motherhood.

She stressed that marriage and childbearing should not be seen as the sole measures of a woman’s fulfillment.

Toke urged women to focus on personal growth, block out societal noise, and trust God’s plan, sharing that despite past criticism, she has now found joy and fulfillment in motherhood at the right time.

She wrote, “I’m not one to even acknowledge negativity. I’ve built a strong brand off the stones that have constantly been thrown at me over the years, and one thing about God, he loves the people you judge so much. I am only sharing this for anyone out there dealing with contention, delay, shame, and all the crazy limitations life can sometimes throw your way.

“Funny how no matter how much you rise career-wise as a woman, society still glorifies the things that haven’t happened for you yet. Marriage has become some sort of a yardstick to fulfilment, and if you don’t have a child yet, hmmmmmmm! Very loaded sigh.

“Thank you, Jesus, this one ended in praise. You were not late; you only wanted my heart posture to be right, and I’m thankful for the community of women you’ve given me in this season.

“I know there are ladies who feel they are running out of time; society wants you to believe that you have expired, you might even start to believe it, but you are wrong.

“I am thankful I did not settle, I’m thankful I got to be a mum when I am ready, I am thankful I rejected all these labels, and I am grateful it happened not when I wanted it but when God’s timing was right. It is perfect!

“Do not underestimate the power of negativity. I ran away the whole pregnancy, I became so fearful, and I shut everyone out. Then this word came: “Perfect love drowns out fear”. God is love, he gives good gifts, and it is perfect. I prayed it till my heart believed it.

“The words hurt, but my spirit was not broken. They only reminded God about me, not that he forgot, but they challenged him to shatter the ceiling with this testimony. So here’s my advice to you,

“Hold on, drown out the noise, focus on the Vine, let him do the heavy lifting, celebrate yourself at every stage, you are becoming, and everything good will come. There will be days when it’ll get tough, but the victory is worth it. Congratulations in advance to anyone waiting, it doesn’t have to be a child, whatever you’re waiting on, it’s here”. (The Nation)