Dispelling Myths: Women’s impact debunks ‘Weaker Sex’ notion

For generations, the belief that women are the weaker sex has been perpetuated by societal norms and cultural stereotypes. However, this misconception is flawed on multiple levels and fails to acknowledge the countless achievements of women in various spheres. It’s important to address where men get it wrong in dismissing women as weak and to shed light on the remarkable accomplishments of women globally.

Firstly, the misconception of women as the weaker sex stems from deep-rooted gender biases and traditional perceptions of gender roles. Whilst many link it to our Ethnicity but the truth is men often overlook the unique strengths and capabilities that women possess, leading to the false assumption that they are inherently inferior. This flawed mindset ignores the diverse talents, intellect, and resilience that women consistently demonstrate in all aspects of life.

In the realm of business, women have shattered glass ceilings and defied stereotypes, achieving remarkable success as entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators. For instance, in Africa, we have inspiring examples such as Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the founder of sole Rebels, and Ibukun Awosika, the first female chairman of First Bank of Nigeria. Globally, leaders like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, have demonstrated exceptional business acumen and leadership, disproving the notion of women’s weakness in the corporate world.

Additionally, women have played pivotal roles in Anti-Corruption, Security ,Peace, Democracy and Intelligence, challenging the misconception that prowess in these domains is solely a male attribute. The contributions of women in law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and national defense have been instrumental in enhancing global security. Notable figures include Justice Matanda Moyo the previous Head of Zimbabwe Anti -Corruption Commission who I personally think based on available evidence has done extremely well to revitalise the Institution , Tatiana Sakhuruk Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact on Ukraine during this time of  war , but is steering the ship ,Florence Kasumba, the first female African UN Force Commander in South Sudan, and Gina Haspel, the first female director of the Central Intelligence Agency. These trailblazing women have exemplified strength, strategic thinking, and resilience in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Moreover, the stereotype of women as being unable to keep secrets is easily dispelled when considering the vital role women have played as Strategist ,intelligence officers, diplomats, and negotiators. Women such as Phumzile Nigeria’s former minister of finance, currently World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women, and Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan , Zimbabwe’s Beatrice Mutetwa have been instrumental in international diplomacy, Democracy and conflict resolution, proving that women possess exceptional discretion and acumen in matters of national and global significance.

Innovation is another area where women have made significant contributions, revolutionizing industries and driving technological advancements. Women like Dr Funmi Olopade, a leading oncologist and researcher, and Dr Hadiyah-Nicole Green, a physicist and cancer researcher, have made ground-breaking discoveries and advanced scientific knowledge, challenging the misconception of women’s supposed intellectual inferiority.

In the realm of leadership and politics, women have risen to the highest echelons of power, effecting positive change and advancing the interests of their countries and communities. Examples include Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Angela Merkel, the first female Chancellor of Germany. Their leadership has demonstrated decisiveness, compassion, and resilience, showcasing the fallacy of the perception of women as weak in governance and global affairs.

In conclusion, the misconception that women are the weaker sex is fundamentally flawed and rooted in outdated prejudices. Women have consistently proven themselves as resilient, intelligent, and capable across diverse fields including business, security, intelligence, innovation, leadership, and politics. The achievements of women in Africa and around the world stand as a testament to their unwavering strength and their extraordinary contributions to making the world a better place. It is imperative to dispel these misconceptions and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of women, fostering a culture of equality and empowerment for generations to come.