Strong Women: A Series

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Credits: Unsplash

Historically, women were supposed to be seen and not heard;
Historically, women were banished to the kitchen;
Historically, women were subservient to men and their husbands; even girls to their sibling brothers!
Historically, a woman’s role post-marriage was to care for everyone – husband, house, children, and sometimes in-laws;
Historically, women were not allowed to vote;
Historically, women were not allowed to be educated; no school nor college,
Historically, if women went to school, they studied gender-specific courses such as nursing or teaching;
Historically, some cultures kill the baby girls at birth! Do they not realize that the woman birth the son and if they continue killing the girls at birth, the land might neither son (boy) nor daughter (girl) have! and
Historically, women earned much less than their male counterparts for doing the same job!

But few women have defied the historic conventions, restrictions, and impediments. The few that did had to be strong and bold. They relentlessly warred against the tide, and had to overcome atypical stereotypes. I bet it was no joke during those times that they underwent the challenges.

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We salute and appreciate the Strong Women’s efforts because they paved the way for all women; old, young, and yet unborn.

“We stand on the shoulders of the women who came before us, women who had to fight for the rights we now take for granted.”

Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In

Thank goodness that today, women have subverted the various hurdles and now lead major roles in various industries.

From the A-to-Z of industry; architecture, aeronautics, to business, computer to engineering, finance, geology, information technology, to mathematics, media, military, to politics, robotics, and zoology, there is a woman executive at the forefront of each and every industry.

Despite penetrating the glass ceiling, a recent report published by Deloitte, however, stated that “women are still largely under-represented on corporate boards globally, and progress to change this trend continues to be slow.” Deloitte profiled women from sixty-six (66) countries. The highlights of the report included:

• • Women hold 16.9 percent of board seats worldwide …
• • Women hold only 5.3 percent of board chair positions and 4.4 percent of CEO roles globally.
• • Women hold 12.7 percent of CFO roles globally – nearly three times that of CEO positions.

There are still more women needed at the top and in the boardroom. Ladies everywhere, promote one another and don’t be the only one to occupy at the top. The sum of all of us is surely greater than each of us. Synergy! Collaboration! Love! Unity! we need them all!!!

Strong Women Arise

Strong Women stand upright in your belief. Believe that there’s a purpose behind your strength. Your Creator wired you so. Give no apology. He’s the Potter and you are the clay. Don’t you suppose that He could have made you a jello if He wanted to?
Your strength and every fiber of your being were wired according to your purpose.

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I once heard the Christian Author and Speaker Joyce Meyer say that she didn’t know how to sew a button on her blouse or her husband’s shirt; that she doesn’t enjoy cooking and doing other “feminine” things. For this reason, she envied her neighbor who was homely and gifted with those things she lacked. When she prayed about it, God told her to leave all that alone because she and her neighbor both have different assignments. Since then, she enjoys her neighbor’s cooking because she always brings her a plate!

I included this to remind Women globally that we are each wired differently. And there’s no cause for competition or envy.

“The truth is nobody knows what’s inside of you. Only you know what’s inside of you. Only you know what you can accomplish, and what you’re capable of …

Jennifer Lopez

I propose to you, Strong Woman, that you probably are unaware of your strength. You have no clue what you’re capable of until you are faced with a challenge. Like water in its purest form as liquid turns into ice when placed in a freezer; so a Strong Woman swiftly changes her demeanor to match any ordeal thrown at her. Some might label you as having dual or multiple personalities. Don’t mind them; just ignore them, but complete your task.

The Strong Woman is always so sweet and hospitable to her family, guests, and neighbors. But don’t mess with her nor her kids if you don’t want to see her instantly transform into a ferocious Lion King!

“We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.”

Kavita Ramdas

Strong Women abound everywhere; from the continents of Africa, to The Americas, to Asia, Australia and Europe. Few are salient and widely-known. But the greater majority are in obscurity. You most likely live with one – your Mom. Yes, your Mom is a Strong Woman. Acknowledge and thank her today for keeping the fort and faith at home. Don’t wait till Mother’s Day – her day is everyday.

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I’m beginning this series of Strong Women and will be featuring historically and modern-day Strong Women. Please read along with me/us.

Thanks for reading the first part.

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