The best judge of whether or not a country is going to develop is how it treats its women. If it's educating its girls, if women have equal rights, that country is going to move forward. But if women are oppressed and abused and illiterate, then they're going to fall behind.
BARACK OBAMA
I was born by a loving, hardworking and resilient mother. My mother reminds me of the story of the world renowned neurosurgeon, Ben Carson, whose mother invested in her children. I have enjoyed [and still enjoying ] the company of beautiful and intelligent ladies as cousins, sisters and friends. From these interactions, my conclusion is simple: a woman is important in life! She is an indispensable being to maintain the balance of nature, an inevitable creature for the sustenance of society's wellbeing. She makes love amiable and caring, an easy adventure.
Henrick Ibsen says "A woman cannot be herself in the society of the present day, which is an exclusively masculine society, with laws framed by men and with a judicial system that judges feminine conduct from a masculine point of view." This view needs to change. A woman can truly be herself if given a chance. Every woman is unique. That uniqueness is built not just on the beauty of her physique but on simplicity of her style. It could be her voice, her walk or her smile. It could even be dreams, visions for life and passion. See elegance in MIchelle Obama, dexterity in Obiagelli, love in Mother Theresa, strength in Margaret Thatcher, Ability in Angela Meckel, Voice in the Australian leader and compassion in Mother Mary. Countless examples abound in fashion, sports and politics: women can do a lot!
A woman is the center of the family, and of the society. Her husband and children revolve around her. An investment in the education of a woman is a great investment: it guarantees great support for a caring and loving husband and increases the chances of good health for her children. Although some women may end up as career women at the detriment of their families, most educated women inherently use their investments and education to improve their first career: the family. What more can I say about a being who bleeds for almost one week in a month, and never dies; bears the pain of labor and laughs as she watches her baby grow!
Many cultures have stiffened this role. Many religious beliefs have reduced women to mere household beings and mere benchwarmers in their assemblies. Womes are seen as housewives, sex machines or gifts. This should not be! In some parts of Nigeria, they are even offered as gifts to visiting friends for a sexual galore! That's how bad women have been treated. This is why ancient writer Euripides said 'Of all things upon earth that bleed and grow, a herb most bruised is woman.'
Cultural revolution: See Her Anew
In recent times, there have become intensive clamor for gender equality and female empowerment. I strongly believe women should assume bigger and bolder roles in society. They have a gentle touch that can change things. They can organize far beyond human imagination. In fact, women are the superb elements that have sustained the weak physical and emotional fabric of our ailing world. So, they are important!
In order to improve gender equality, I am proposing a cultural revolution. We need to see women differently: they are important! When we all see them differently, it becomes easier to invest in their education, entrepreneurial prowess and participation in society. It is inevitable for government to prioritize its agenda on women empowerment through an affirmative action; opinion leaders especially traditional rulers and religious leaders need to take the center stage to advocate for female empowerment.
A woman is the centre of the family and of the society. Things fall apart when the centre can not hold.
Biodun Awosusi - 'Biodun Awosusi is a medical doctor, freelance writer and social activist. He writes on health and politics, biodiversity and green ...
