Nigerian-British author and advocate for gender equality Chinwe Enyinna will launch her new book, My Garden of Thorny Roses. This invite-only event is set for Saturday at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The event will gather professionals from law, business, public health, and advocacy fields. They will discuss healing, resilience, and personal change.
Actress and broadcaster Layole Oyatogun will host the event. There will be a fireside chat between Ms Enyinna and the host about themes in the book.
Panel discussion
A panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma: Uncomfortable Conversations Women Have” will look into mindset change, legal advocacy, and financial independence.
Speakers include psychologist Lauretta Ogbum, executive coach Ehi Ade-Mabo, and lawyer Obianuju Okafor. Glory Edozien, founder of 9to5Chick and Ascent Club Global, will moderate the session.
The program will also have reflections from entrepreneur Winihin Jemide and live readings from selected chapters of the book.
Guest readers will include lawyer Chinyere Okorocha, performance strategist Abiola Salami, and relationship counsellor Amaka Chika-Mbonu.
About the author
Ms Enyinna is a public health expert, registered nurse, and a voice against gender-based violence. She is the UK Country Chair of the Anti-GBV Wing of the G100 Club and started D’ Survivor Hub Nigeria.
The organizers say this initiative has helped over 500 survivors of domestic abuse through healing and empowerment programs.
The book's themes are especially relevant given the ongoing issues with gender-based violence in Nigeria. Premium Times reported that Lagos State had 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence from August 2024 to July 2025, with domestic violence making up 3,685 of those cases.
Speaking about her book, Ms Enyinna shared that she was inspired to write after hearing similar stories from women who felt unable to speak out.
“I realized my experience could help other women who quietly shared similar stories with me during conversations,” she said.
“Many of them felt trapped in silence. Writing this book became a responsibility. I wanted women to know they are not alone.”
Book readings
Selected chapters will be read by lawyer Chinyere Okorocha, performance strategist Abiola Salami, and relationship counsellor Amaka Chika-Mbonu.
The event will wrap up with a reception and book-signing session.
My Garden of Thorny Roses is available for purchase worldwide on Selar. The launch will take place on Saturday at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos.
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