Empowering women through education: Lessons from Oboli’s ‘Love in Every Word’
By Chinedu Vincent Okoro
LAST Sunday, I came across a film by star actress Omoni Oboli that has been widely promoted, titled Love in Every Word. Despite my busy schedule, I made time to watch it without distraction until the very end. I believe, for those who haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.
Among the many lessons I took from the movie: I was particularly drawn to the character called Chioma, one of the major protagonists. The film strongly emphasises the importance of educating the girl child. Chioma’s story proves that investing in a well-educated and intentional young woman is never in vain.
I often tell people that an academically empowered woman—one who has truly internalised the values of education—knows exactly what she wants in a relationship. I recently had a debate with a few women about the expenditure of money within relationships. Some concurred with my opinion, but others did not. My argument had been simple: an educationally and economically empowered woman will have alternate expectations than one who is neither. It has been established by studies that economic independence can determine personal choices, including relationships preferred.
In the majority of cases, women who are financially dependent will favour economic stability within relationships at the expense of everything else. It is a natural given that financial security is an imperative. However, financial empowerment implies women have the capability to choose partners by compatibility, value, and future goals in comparison to economic dependence.
To men, the message is simple: success is not an accident. If you want to find a high-value partner, you need to be willing to put the effort in, grow as a person, and push for greatness. A man should not settle for superficial qualities in a partner—beauty alone is not enough. Instead, he should seek an intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally mature woman.
The film also presents an important lesson for men through the character of Obiora. He challenges outdated gender norms by demonstrating that men, regardless of their status, should acquire domestic skills. No matter how wealthy or accomplished a man is, learning to cook and handle basic household responsibilities is a mark of maturity, not weakness. A modern man should not view cooking or helping with chores as beneath him but as essential life skills.
Parents have a vital role to play in shaping the next generation. They should empower their daughters with education that can guarante them independence, so they can make informed choices in relationships. Likewise, parents should raise their sons to be responsible, self-sufficient, and supportive partners in marriages.
As Michelle Obama wisely put it, “The difference between a broken community and a thriving one is the presence of women who are valued.” True empowerment is not just about financial success—it is about knowledge, self-worth, and the ability to make decisions from a place of strength rather than desperation. Education and self-development for both men and women can create more balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful relationships. The more we invest in personal growth, the healthier our relationships and society will be. Oboli’s Love in Every Word amply fleshes out there relationship truths.
* Okoro is a writer and motivational speaker
