“A woman’s place is in the kitchen.” This statement appears to be a common law in the African traditional society, but is it inscribed in book or engraved on stone? Opinions are scattered here and there on what a woman should do and not be. But is it mandatory that a woman should only be a homemaker? Are women’s skills and personalities just intended to be used at home? Why not as leaders in an organization or in the society? And did women ever imagine that this ‘home-making’ role was what created in them the pure in heart and wise leadership attributes?
In modern society, though, women have broken out of this norm to take their rightful places as strong members and leaders of the society since they have always been perceived as the weaker sex. Not necessarily advocating for equality between both sexes, women have chosen to pursue higher education and have realized their value, thus, breaking out of the ‘making a home’ structure into outstanding individuals. Women are rising up from scrubbing pots and plates in the kitchen to the ‘thrones’ in society.
Tales of women resonate like the famous Cleopatra VII who reigned as queen in the 323 B.C. following the death of Alexander the Great. In that era, society was significantly male-dominated. She ruled when Egypt was one of the world’s greatest powers. History well indicates that Cleopatra was a powerful woman leader who began her reign at the tender age of 17; she was the last Pharaoh to rule Egypt.
In recent times, outstanding women leaders such as the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, an environmentalist who rose out of the woman ‘mantra’ and became one of the most respected leaders in society. Before her untimely death, she lobbied for the environment not only as a leader but as a woman who was not intimidated by men and political figures who tirelessly worked to bring her down. She never stopped fighting for her love, the environment. Her resilience made her a better leader, making her the first African woman to receive the Noble Laureate in 2004.
And then there is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected African woman head of state. This 74 year old woman rose up from a poverty- stricken childhood and intimidation by strong male figures, to ruling her country, Liberia. She was one of three women awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize and recognized for the non- violent struggle for the safety of women’s rights and participation in peace-building work.
Many are the women who are the epitome of leadership: Malawi’s president, Joyce Banda; Michelle Obama, current First Lady of America; Angela Merkel, Germany’s Chancellor; Maya Angelou, Anna Tibaijuka and many more have risen up in various communities. Read their stories and you will understand why they are held high in esteem with their roles, not only as leaders but as women with significance in the society.
Being a leader does not necessarily mean holding high offices in big cities, sitting on a mighty throne or the big swiveling leather chair. It starts from the basic place, the home. As a woman, be the leader you want your children to look up to as they grow up. In society, be a woman of strong morals in which other girls and women can look up to and find a role model. In the work place, be a woman of integrity and impart this on your workmates. In your personal life, mold a leader whom you would hold in high esteem, influencing all around you. Everyone has an opinion of what a leader should be. What is your opinion? Have you implemented this opinion in your life and is it causing an impact around you?
It is often said, “Be the man that you want to be, not what others want you to be.” Be a leader today.