Self-worth is a buzzword that I often hear on social media all the time.
And rightfully so, because if you don’t know it, life will remind you in the messiest ways possible. Whether it’s a job that underpays you, a friend who only calls when they need something or a relationship that leaves you questioning your value—one thing is certain, you must set the standard for how people treat you.
And no one—NO ONE—understood that quite like Onijah Andrew Robinson.
This 33-year-old New Yorker hopped on a plane to Pakistan for love, expecting wedding bells. Instead, she got heartbreak, rejection and a viral moment that had the internet ready for this new reality TV series. But instead of sulking, Onijah did what most wished they had the nerve to do—she demanded her worth in cash.
In October 2024, Onijah flew to Karachi, Pakistan to marry 19-year-old Nidal Ahmed Memon, a guy she met online, according to reports from Express Tribune. She put in time, emotions and probably a lot of money to make this work. But when Nidal’s family shut it down and allegedly fled their home, she was left stranded in a foreign country
Most people would’ve booked the next flight home, but Onijah flipped the script. She held a whole press conference, demanding and I quote:
“I need $100K, with $20K in cash by the end of this week.”
If you were like me, you’d be scratching your head like, “Say what??” She went from a scorned lover to the Queen of Pakistan (according to TikTok). She became the definition of closed mouths don’t get fed.
Onijah didn’t stop at demanding compensation for her emotional labor—she started advocating for Pakistan’s infrastructure, calling out the bad roads and outdated public transportation.
“The government needs to fix these streets—it’s ridiculous here! You all need new buses, taxis and cars,” she stated. Was she heartbroken or running for office? At this point, no one knew.
But the wildest part? Instead of dragging her, Pakistanis embraced her. She brought that New York heat to a country known for its conservatism and patriarchal norms.
Say what you want about her methods, but Onijah’s viral moment indirectly gave some serious gems about knowing our worth in love, friendships, and careers.
Know Your Worth and Add Tax
If they’re not meeting your standards, strategize for an exit or demand better—in love, in jobs, in life. Onijah said, “I need my check. “ While most of us won’t be holding press conferences, we should be setting boundaries that reflect our values.
Turn Setbacks into Power Moves
Left alone in a foreign country, Onijah could have crumbled. Instead, she flipped the narrative. When life hits you with an unexpected “no,” turn it into a redirection, not a rejection.
Challenge the Status Quo
Society tells Black women—especially—to shrink themselves, accept less and be grateful. Onijah said nah. Sometimes, you have to disrupt the norm to get what you need.
Invest in Yourself Like You Invest in Others
Onijah traveled across the world for a relationship that didn’t work. How many of us pour into situations that don’t pour back? Whether it’s a job, a friend or a relationship—make sure your investment has ROI (Return on Investment).
