Being excerpts of a paper delivered by Dr Nancy Okorie at a Webinar organized by NAUW FUNAAB titled: “Women and Leadership: Accelerating action for women inclusivity”
What is Leadership? Leadership is not burdensome; it is service. The more lowly your service is to others, the greater you are. Leadership does not oppose gender! Leadership is: This is a position to occupy, then occupy it and deliver. If not, “his/her office, let another take”..
Who is a Woman? Women are humans also. Women are not second class citizens. Women are not inferior beings; they are not push-overs that should occupy lesser positions in leadership. Women are the backbone of our communities. We take care of our homes; manage and organize things in our homes so we can manage any position we find ourselves today. Women are driving progress and accelerating actions in governance, education, business, healthcare, etc. Their unrelenting commitment fuels economic stability and social transformation.
Barriers to Leadership
- Chauvinistic manipulation of womankind
- Lack of mentorship
- Prejudice or bias
- Stereotype
Challenges will come in leadership both to males and females. But what makes women successful in leadership are : a) Tenaciousness: Every woman aspiring to be in a leadership position or already a leader must be determined, dogged, stubborn and persistent. Refuse to be distracted by challenges.
b) Devoid of an inferiority mindset: There are always superior and inferior performances, but there are never superior or inferior women. When a woman accepts being inferior, she’s committing a crime against herself.
c) Mentorship: Is very important in leadership. It will help to guide and support women in advancing into leadership positions. It serves as a networking tool for overcoming challenges and obstacles in leadership.
d) Self-advocacy for women in leadership: Women should encourage and support each other. Telling yourself you can do it alone is unwise and often a way to end up frustrated and bitter.
Leadership styles
Women should imbibe – 1) Transformational leadership which encourages collaboration, empowerment and social responsibility.
2) Adaptive leadership: Women being open to change, teachable, flexible and resilient.
3) Inclusive leadership: Values and promotes equity, diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Creates opportunities for women to be free to make choices to be different, unique, stand out, distinguished from the crowd and manifest the potentials in them.
Creating a supportive environment for women in leadership
a) Creating friendly policies and practices : Thank God for FUNAAB policies. They are flexible and supportive, it has not denied women the right to leadership but they can do more. Women, rise up and aspire to lead as a Vice Chancellor. We have not had a woman as a V.C in Funaab. I see that coming to reality one day.
b) Culture of Inclusion
Should be our culture in the academia; in the university. Women should feel valued, important, respected, allowed to rule, become leaders, make choices, air their views and be empowered to lead in Colleges, Departments, Unions, Religious gatherings. etc
c) It is important for the male allies to support and promote women’s leadership and gender equality. Do not say, “over my dead body would a woman lead me!” It does not encourage inclusiveness. It only shows cowardice.
Conclusion and a call to Accelerate action
WOMAN!, what is your attitude about yourself? Who do you see yourself as? It’s time to accelerate action. To express your right to lead regardless of your gender, tribe, race, religion etc. You can be that Woman in leadership position. Be free from the shackles of guilt, timidity, fear, self-condemnation, feeling of inferiority. Take up that position, take up that role, be that leader because you have the potentials. Humanity needs you. Humanity needs me. Humanity needs us to put a mark on the sands of time. Let’s create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in leadership.
Thank you.
