Inside the Writer’s Mind: Nneamaka Onochie

Nneamaka Onochie, one of the IHRAM’s treasured writers, shares her musings, inspiration, and drive as an author and activist. Thank you for all you do, Nneamaka. 

What moves you? What compels you to pick up a pen or open your laptop to free write?

I'm driven by two things. One is the love of the craft of writing and the passion for storytelling. The process of weaving words together like fine thread running smoothly through a silky linen. For me it's not really about the end product but creating something so compelling you try to taste every word and let it crawl on your skin that it brings you joy and fulfillment. I love telling stories, not just because it brings me fulfillment but with stories we can enforce societal change, unravel hidden truths and hypocrisies because stories inform and also empower. The truth is that there are many stories in my head, beautiful stories that I hope this lifetime would be enough to tell them all.

What human rights concerns are you most moved by?  What inspires and influences your writing, particularly when it comes to addressing human rights issues?

Oh thanks so much for this question. Besides being a writer, I'm also a girl child and gender based violence advocate under the umbrella of my foundation which is The Fragile Feet Initiative. Basically, I'm moved about issues concerning girls and women as regards to child abuse, child trafficking and domestic violence. Just as I go to different schools and undervalued communities to lend my voice to these pressing issues. Most of these human rights concerns reflect in my work. One of my stories published in the International Human Right Art Movement (IHRAM) is titled IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES. The theme is centered on girl child sexual abuse. A girl consistently sexually abused by her step father while the mother turns blind eye. And these are some of the things that happen in our society. I hope everyone gets to read the story. it's an emotional and evocative story that makes the readers feel something deeply. You have to feel to actually connect with the characters. I believe every voice matters however inaudible it might seem as it can also make a difference.

The human rights concerns addressed in the IHRAM literary magazine are often complex and challenging to navigate. How do you navigate the balance between highlighting these challenges and maintaining a sense of hope or optimism in your writing?

First of all, I try to be as open minded as possible knowing that the different unique voices in IHRAM are telling deep stories from the murky waters unique to them. So I try to navigate these stories by expressing and telling stories important to me and my environment. I also try to understand human complexities which make for rich and compelling stories and explore them in my writing.

Please reflect on the power of art and literature to influence social change. Do you believe art has the power to influence positive change?

Art and Literature has the power to influence social change, one is by bringing important social issues to the knowledge of the public. We can agree that information is power therefore with the power of Art and Literature, through unearthing, dissecting and analysis of social issues, we create a social consciousness for example Efuru by Flora Nwapa which highlights the issues of gender gap. Swallow by Sefi Atta which highlights the issues of corruption, drug trafficking amongst others. "Gathering Clouds" by Nneamaka Onochie which raised awareness about gender based violence. The "Abandoned and other stories" by Aniedi Etim which helped to raise awareness for human trafficking, girl child abuse, gender parity etc 

What drew you to become a contributing author for the IHRAM magazine, and how do you personally connect with its mission?

As an individual passionate about human rights concerns and creating social change, I found the magazine to be a perfect channel to lend my voice because of its theme, shared values and perspective. So it was a perfect link to sharing and creating awareness for most underlying conditions for public consciousness. Ofcourse I get to read other unapologetic and sincere works of other writers published by IHRAM and it is quite inspiring, one can really connect. IHRAM has actually published me twice, so it's not just a literary magazine to me but a literary magazine that has become family.

The values of IHRAM include beauty as a fundamental creative principle, sincerity, vulnerability, celebrating diversity, and opening doorways of engagement. How do these values resonate with your writing, and how do you incorporate them into your creative process?

The undeniable truth is that sincerity is essential in telling our stories honestly because that is the avenue through which readers can connect with the beauty of our creativity. Personally, I'm not afraid of showcasing vulnerability in the pages of my work because it's a way to share some beautiful moments and connect emotionally with my readers. I need to tug at the strings of those emotions to drive home my points and provoke thoughts. I celebrate diversity by exploring literature from other voices from Africa, Asia, American which opens up a whole new world of perspective and experiences. I also support other authors and publishers who are working to promote diverse voices by sharing, recommending their work and engaging in conversations about their books.

How does your environment influence your view of the world (your home country, city, and surrounding culture)?

As an African living in Africa my view of the world varies from the inclusive nature of family structure; we are family oriented people and we hold our loved ones close. The spiritual nature of human beings; of course they are acquainted with the rites of passage, ancestry and spirituality. Collective individual identity, the oneness of mind, the values of interpersonal relationships, the interconnectedness of all things. Yes my environment plays a huge role in the influence of my view of the world.

In comparison, how does your intersectionality influence your view of the world (your personal beliefs, gender expression, religious affiliations, etc.)? 

First of all, as an individual some of my experiences are shaped by varieties of factors which comprises religion, colonialism, gender, patriarchy, conflict, political and socio economic factors. Viewing through the lens of an African woman. One of the challenges we face is patriarchy because just like an octopus, it spreads its tentacles towards other divergent areas of my reality as an African woman. In the community, work etc. An African woman is bold and daring, she is no longer silent but dismantling silence. So in most of my work I throw more light on the issues concerning women. Religion is a paramount factor in Africa like it tends to have an edge on the rational reasoning of the average African man. I have written a published story to that effect. A story I titled "When the Prophet Prophecies Nonsense." That particular story though fiction was personal because of some experiences I have had; I guess every writer shades some layers of themselves in their story. Personally, I'm not religious. I believe I'm more spiritual, in that way I can connect more with divinity. Therefore the only language of religion that I understand is love.

Read and enjoy all of AUTHOR’S previously published work:

Ike the Bully and other Stories

Ordeal of the single woman

Gathering Clouds.

Kalahari Review, Iskanchi Press, Literary Network (Litnet), Adanna, International Human Right Art Movement (IHRAM), Deep OverStock, Bellanaija, Red Edit Magazine, Pride magazine, Report Afrique