Bolatito Adebayo’s Queen of Tracks: Giving Voice to the Silent Struggles of Young Girls

For journalist, screenwriter, and author Bolatito Adebayo, writing is more than storytelling, it’s an act of empathy and advocacy. Her latest novel, Queen of Tracks, embodies that mission, offering a powerful exploration of the silent battles faced by young girls living with period poverty, stigma, and shame, and their inspiring journey toward empowerment.

The idea for Queen of Tracks emerged from Bolatito’s years of volunteer work with the Community Development Link Initiative (CDLI), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to improving lives through community-based projects. “We’ve worked on many programmes, but four years ago, we began focusing on period poverty,” she said. “I never realised how many girls couldn’t afford sanitary pads. I knew about poverty, but not this kind of poverty.”

Through her advocacy, Bolatito encountered heart-wrenching stories of girls missing school, resorting to unhygienic alternatives, or suffering in silence due to menstrual stigma. These real-life experiences inspired Queen of Tracks, a story born from compassion and the determination to give visibility to struggles often hidden behind quiet smiles.

Following the success of her debut novel, The Waiting Room, which explored infertility and women’s resilience, Bolatito continues her focus on women’s lived experiences. In Queen of Tracks, she examines how menstruation, poverty, and social shame intersect to limit opportunities for young girls, and how courage and community can set them free. “It’s a story about finding one’s voice in a world that tries to silence it,” she said. “I want readers to see how education, empathy, and determination can change everything.”

For Bolatito, storytelling is both personal and purposeful. “My greatest motivation as a writer is to touch hearts and spark conversations that matter,” she explained. “I’m deeply passionate about the dignity of everyday people, especially girls and women whose voices are too often unheard. Writing allows me to turn pain and reflection into something that inspires change.”

She draws inspiration from a broad range of authors, including Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ayobami Adebayo, Elechi Amadi, and Adesuwa O’Man Nwokedi. She also reveres pioneering female voices such as Buchi Emecheta, Lola Shoneyin, and Sefi Atta for their fearless portrayals of womanhood and identity.

Her background in journalism continues to influence her literary craft. Bolatito credits Funke Egbemode as a major influence for showing how stories can mirror the layered realities of Nigerian life, and she praises Abimbola Adelakun for her boldness and intellect in social commentary. “They remind me that storytelling is a powerful way to preserve our voices, challenge norms, and celebrate our shared humanity,” she said.

Reflecting on her publishing journey, Bolatito admitted it tested her patience and resolve. “Writing the manuscript is only half the journey,” she laughed. “Publishing teaches you patience, precision, and purpose. Every obstacle along the way becomes part of the story you’re meant to tell next.”

She also acknowledges how technology has transformed opportunities for women writers. “The internet has been a blessing,” she noted. “It’s opened doors for women to share their stories freely and connect with readers across the world. Digital platforms have made it possible to build communities and be heard, without waiting for permission.”

To aspiring writers, Bolatito offers timeless advice: “Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time. Start now, with what you have. Writing is about discovery, you find the story as you go.” She encourages persistence and honesty. “The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to exist. Write from the heart, because words born from truth will always find their readers. Courage is what separates dreamers from doers, so take that first step. Your story is waiting.”