About the GenderToday Blog – Why It Exists, Who It’s For, and What to Expect

Welcome to the GenderToday blog, a space born out of passion, purpose, and personal experience.

My name is Marian Toju Acquah-Andoh—yes, quite a mix, right? I’m Ghanaian, but you might have noticed the Nigerian name “Toju” in the middle. There’s a little story behind that.

My late father worked in Nigeria for a man we fondly called Ogah. He lived in his boys’ quarters and started a family there with my mum, also Ghanaian. My elder brother and I were both born in Nigeria. While my brother was named after Ogah (Daniel Kayode …), the story goes that Ogah’s daughter really wanted me to carry her name—so Toju became part of mine. And even though I didn’t use it officially until Junior High (thanks to BECE registration rules!), I’ve grown to love it. That name is now a meaningful part of my identity—and so is this blog.

Marian Toju Acquah-Andoh, founder of GenderToday — blending storytelling and social work to spark meaningful conversations

🟣 So, Why GenderToday?

Truthfully, GenderToday is my exit route from the typical 9–5, but not in a “drop everything” kind of way. It’s a space I created to blend my talents, hobbies, and work experience into something impactful—a platform for storytelling, conversations, and purposeful work. My goal? To serve both God and humanity.

This blog is where I hope to build conversations around real-life social issues, especially those that affect men and women differently—but also bring us together. I believe that if we talk honestly about how societal systems impact both genders, we’ll be better equipped to find real, lasting solutions.

💭 What to Expect Here

Like many of you, I once dreamed of becoming many things—but I was certain I didn’t want a job that required a uniform!

High school was tough. Things took a downturn when my dad, overwhelmed and stressed, once said something that pierced my heart: “If it were in the olden days, you would’ve been married and not my burden.” That comment shook me to my core, especially because he had always been my biggest supporter. I lost my drive and my confidence for a while.

After high school, financial struggles hit us hard. My brother and I finished the same year, but he was privileged to take the first shot at tertiary while I stayed back. As things fell apart with his admission process, my mom turned to me and asked, “So what do you want to do?”

At the time, I was working at a pharmacy near a basic school, and I found myself interacting with students who shared their problems with me. I realized I enjoyed listening, helping, and guiding them. So, I told my mom I wanted to do something meaningful—something that allowed me to solve real issues and work with people.

She suggested a diploma in Social Work. That’s what she could afford, and I jumped at the chance. At my entrance interview, I was encouraged to consider journalism—but I lacked the confidence (and didn’t want to stress my mom), so I stuck with Social Work. Years later, it all made sense.

📚 From Social Work to Storytelling

After school, I served my country and landed a job as a research assistant in 2018, thanks to my writing and interviewing skills. But over time, I felt a deeper longing—I wanted to build something of my own, something that would allow me to keep learning and contribute more directly to societal change.

That’s why GenderToday was born.

💡 Why "GenderToday"?

Because every issue—be it poverty, education, mental health, or employment—affects people. And people are either male or female (or express diverse gender identities). I believe that by exploring how gender influences our lived experiences, we can uncover truths, challenge stereotypes, and brainstorm real-world solutions.

This space isn’t just about “men vs. women.” It’s about understanding the systems that shape us, the stories that define us, and the tools we need to grow.

🔎 What You'll Find on This Blog

• Personal stories and reflections (mine and others)

• Conversations on gender, society, and purpose

• Tools for growth, clarity, and informed decision-making

• Insights drawn from social work, research, faith, and real life

I hope every post invites you to pause, reflect, and walk away with something that lights a candle within you.

🕯️ Why It Matters

One thing Social Work taught me is that our job isn’t to “fix” people. It’s to give them the tools and strategies to make informed choices. That’s what this blog is about: equipping you to find your own truth and take your own next step.

So, whether you’re here to learn, reflect, share, or just explore, welcome to GenderToday.

Let’s grow together. 💜