Onijah’s viral demand for compensation after heartbreak

Self-worth is a buzzword that I typically hear on social media on a regular basis. 

And rightfully so, as a result of should you don’t comprehend it, life will remind you within the messiest methods doable. Whether or not it’s a job that underpays you, a pal who solely calls once they want one thing or a relationship that leaves you questioning your worth—one factor is definite, you have to set the usual for the way individuals deal with you.

And nobody—NO ONE—understood that fairly like Onijah Andrew Robinson.

This 33-year-old New Yorker hopped on a airplane to Pakistan for love, anticipating marriage ceremony bells. As an alternative, she obtained heartbreak, rejection and a viral second that had the web prepared for this new actuality TV sequence. However as a substitute of sulking, Onijah did what most wished they’d the nerve to do—she demanded her price in money.

In October 2024, Onijah flew to Karachi, Pakistan to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, a man she met on-line, in line with stories from Specific Tribune. She put in time, feelings and possibly some huge cash to make this work. However when Nidal’s household shut it down and allegedly fled their house, she was left stranded abroad

Most individuals would’ve booked the subsequent flight house, however Onijah flipped the script. She held a complete press convention, demanding and I quote:

“I would like $100K, with $20K in money by the tip of this week.”

For those who have been like me, you’d be scratching your head like, “Say what??” She went from a scorned lover to the Queen of Pakistan (in line with TikTok). She turned the definition of closed mouths don’t get fed. 

Onijah didn’t cease at demanding compensation for her emotional labor—she began advocating for Pakistan’s infrastructure, calling out the dangerous roads and outdated public transportation. 

“The federal government wants to repair these streets—it’s ridiculous right here! You all want new buses, taxis and automobiles,” she acknowledged. Was she heartbroken or operating for workplace? At this level, nobody knew.

However the wildest half? As an alternative of dragging her, Pakistanis embraced her. She introduced that New York warmth to a rustic recognized for its conservatism and patriarchal norms.

Say what you need about her strategies, however Onijah’s viral second not directly gave some severe gems about figuring out our price in love, friendships, and careers.

Know Your Value and Add TaxIf they’re not assembly your requirements, strategize for an exit or demand higher—in love, in jobs, in life. Onijah mentioned, “I would like my test. “ Whereas most of us received’t be holding press conferences, we ought to be setting boundaries that mirror our values.

Flip Setbacks into Energy MovesLeft alone abroad, Onijah might have crumbled. As an alternative, she flipped the narrative. When life hits you with an sudden “no,” flip it right into a redirection, not a rejection.

Problem the Standing QuoSociety tells Black girls—particularly—to shrink themselves, settle for much less and be grateful. Onijah mentioned nah. Typically, you need to disrupt the norm to get what you want.

Put money into Your self Like You Put money into OthersOnijah traveled the world over for a relationship that didn’t work. How many people pour into conditions that don’t pour again? Whether or not it’s a job, a pal or a relationship—be sure your funding has ROI (Return on Funding).

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