Human Capital International continues to applaud women of the world for their courage and commitment to a just society movement.

Perhaps the greatest benefit resulting from the gender equality policy is that women are playing out their independence. Through improved access to education, even when they are engaged in so-called stereotyped roles as farmers, small business owners, or stay at home moms, women do so to express their peculiar sense of empowerment, but not out of compulsion like the case was in the past.

It may be the case that choosing a path in the above endeavours is relatively easy, and so to those women who seek to join the corporate world but are afraid of stiffer resistance to their aspirations, here is your latest inspiration:

On March 1, the first woman and African to lead the World Trade Organisation, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, took office as the organisation’s Director-General. Her term, renewable, will run up until August 31, 2025.

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Her tenure of office began seven days to this year’s International Women’s Day celebration. The concept of International Women’s Day emerged in the early 1900s when civil unrests and debates among women were against oppression and inequality in socio-economic spheres. Injustices and inequalities continue to exist to date. However, the advocacy for women’s empowerment has made significant gains with women such as Dr Okonjo taking high ranking positions in corporate circles.

The Nigerian born Dr Okonjo, who previously served as number two at the World Bank, joins a growing list of African women competing internationally and eventually taking over global responsibilities.

Many African women, including; Ms Winnie Byanyima, the Executive director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Justice Julian Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bom Bensouda among others, are representing the continent.

Locally, we see an increase in female organisational executives. The Managing Directors of Ecobank Uganda, Stanbic Bank, Finance Trust Bank, Uganda Law Society President and Speaker of Uganda Parliament are all females.

It may not be an easy road up there, but their perseverance eventually got them to these institutions’ top echelon.

We believe that women need to motivate themselves by looking up to high female achievers in any career path and taking personal responsibilities for their career growth.

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That growth will require gaining confidence in yourself by acquiring the requisite skills and qualifications to apply for and also execute the given responsibilities. Whether in a male-dominated boardroom or a personal enterprise, focusing on your best skills and drawing confidence from knowing that you are good at your job is a sure way to reach the skies. High flying women first developed the ‘I can’ attitude amidst the many who didn’t believe in them.

Of course, since you will not be good at everything, choose a career you are passionate about. This will go a long way to help you shape and stick to your dream despite the challenges.

Also, be alert to spot and grab opportunities in your area of expertise and give it your best shot. Dear woman, like every individual, you sit on a well of untapped potentials. You may have given out a lot already, but the world is waiting for your best.

Rise up to the call within you and let the woman you see in the mirror be the one you have always wanted her to be – your superwoman.

 

 

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