Excuse me Sam; we need a break. Seriously, we’ve had enough of all the hard stuff: party defections, declaration of aspirations, Ebola virus, Boko Haram, football, etc.
Such news have left us sitting on the edges of our seats; in uneasy anticipation of what will happen next. We are faced with more questions than answers. This is why I want us to take a break. Spare me a few minutes; will you?
Something curious has been on my mind: What is the genetic trait of powerful women in our societies? What makes them what they are? How did they reach these heights? What is it that distinguishes them from the everyday women sweating it out in public or private sector?
These women are the corporate power brokers. They command attention. They are smart; intelligent and skilful. They are CEOs and captains of their environment.
Where others walked and sank, they are walking and standing firm: Queen Elizabeth, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Kathleen Sebelius, Angela Merkel, Dilma Rouseff, Ellen Sirleaf, Joyce Banda, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Winnie Mandela, and Grace Alele-Williams. The list is endless.
These women are resourceful, virtuous, audacious, determined, dedicated, and positively stubborn. They see no barriers. Or as aptly captured by Arnold Schwarzenegger: “…the women who break down barriers are those who ignore the limits”.
A powerful woman believes in herself, shares her vision, and, as a team player, respects contrary opinions. She inspires and empathically relates with others. She is independent-minded and sometimes ruthless.
Nigeria has a lot of such powerful women. If you look inward, you just might be one, with all the powers God has placed in you?
Being powerful does not mean kicking people around; it means making an impact in your corner with your God-given talents and resources, and honing these talents into skills while empowering others to carry on after you.
I believe we need more of such women in politics. Yes, in politics. There are too many men out there; and it’s becoming boring. It’s time for women to extend their influence from the corporate world to the political arena.
• A contribution by Princess Lemaiah Abdallah, from Abuja.