It is often said that we are a product of our environment. This is mostly correct, and I like to believe that I am the product of all the women I’ve met and encountered in my life.
I know this because I am conscious of it. I actively covet positive attributes that I perceive from every woman I interact with; – I am greatly influenced by them. In my interactions with women from different social strata, I consciously humanise them and I always ask myself, “What part of this woman’s personality can I learn something from?”
I believe that more men need to ‘humanise women’. We need more men to seek out female mentors and role models; speak positively about them and more importantly, listen to women. But this article is definitely not about men.
If I have become anything in my personal life, my career, and my spiritual life, I largely owe it to the women in my life.
During my interview process for my current position at the Tony Elumelu Foundation, one of the first things I noticed was that at every single stage of my interview, there were women involved. I was mostly interviewed by women. In fact, Edet from HR was the only man present at my interview, besides the chairman. I was impressed because it’s not very often that you see an abundance of women in leadership positions in a powerful organisation such as ours.
It was also inspiring because seeing these women, casually just be ‘badass’ at their jobs and get rewarded for it, makes it easier for me to visualise my own career progression. The examples before me are numerous. I see this and it is immediately clear to me that it also can be me, for as long as I’m willing to put in the work.
From the very beginning of my career, it has always been women holding up the torch to light my way on this journey. Women like Brukeme, Olajumoke, and Bukonla. I think about them and my heart is immediately filled with gratitude. The importance of setting the right example at the start of your career cannot be overemphasised.
My female friendships have saved my life on countless occasions. These are the women I learn from the most. From Chizoba, I’ve learnt unwavering confidence, the type that makes her enter a room like she owns the entire building. From Progress, I’ve learnt the importance of having big dreams, the types that are as exciting as they are scary. From Gloria, I’ve learnt about courage and the importance of always rising back up. From Odunayo, I learnt audacity and the bravery to dream new dreams as much as you need to. From Bolu, I learnt the importance of staying true to yourself, every single day. From Deola, I learnt that sometimes, it’s more than enough if you believe in yourself and your dreams.
You can’t stay stuck waiting for validation from others. Just go with that passion and go with God – you’ll always win.
The biggest and best example of what it means to be a woman still remains my mum. As I grew older and started to be more responsible for myself, I began to understand how powerful that woman is. From her, I learnt the importance of owning your individuality. I learnt about hardwork, and I also learned about enjoyment, lol.
To all the women I have had the opportunity of meeting, knowing and learning from, I am very grateful to you. My life is all the better for it. You continue to inspire me.
We are more powerful than they give us credit for. I hope we never get tired of reminding ourselves of the immense power we possess individually and as a group.
