In a powerful interview, actress Chioma Ivoke breaks her silence on the vexed issue of ‘sex for roles’. While many believe that the phenomenon is only prevalent in the Nigerian movie industry, the actress stresses that it is not limited to any specific area but is a rampant problem that affects various sectors of the industry.
Chioma Ivoke stresses that using sex as a means to an end is not only detrimental to women but also to men. The degrading practice, according to her, has infiltrated many professional circles and has become a common currency. She calls for a strong condemnation of the practice and measures to eradicate it completely.
Speaking on maintaining one’s privacy despite being in the public eye, the actress warns against the pitfalls of social media, calling it a global marketplace where caution is a must. She stresses the importance of keeping certain things private, regardless of the pressures of social media.
When asked about her ability to balance decency and charm, Chioma Ivoke claims to be a respectable woman who dresses elegantly and behaves with dignity in all circumstances. She emphasizes that the only pressure she feels is the one she imposes on herself: to progress, evolve and be a role model for the young people who look up to her with admiration.
Ultimately, Chioma Ivoke emphasizes that the real pressure lies in the expectations she has of herself: to grow, to constantly improve and to inspire others around her. The artificial pressures of social media do not affect her, because she is firmly anchored in her quest for personal and professional growth.
This frank and lucid interview with Chioma Ivoke highlights important issues that go far beyond the world of entertainment. It invites a deeper reflection on the toxic practices that plague our societies and calls for concrete actions to combat them.