THE AFRICAN WOMAN EMBODIES HOPE AND SUCCESS

                       They say,behind any successful man there is a great woman. I think it will also be right to state that in any successful venture there must be an African woman. Let me tell you why. To understand this assertion lets try to do a simple analysis of the African Life. 

                        From religious groupings to village associations, from local artisans to inter-community arbiters, from birth-attendants to funeral organizers......Women are everywhere.They are the pivotal segment in all these spheres. This might look simplistic. But believe you me, these 'small things' are the cornerstones of the african life. Their participation in all these 'small things' inspires many. This inspiration is the driving force for the day-to-day activities around us.

                        But how do they rise to embody hope and success? To conclusively respond to this question, it will be prudent to take a historical tour of the African woman. Just take a look. Do you remember those acts of discrimination meted on women? That a woman getting an education was against 'culture'. That 'traditionally' the place of a woman is the kitchen. That a woman must not move out of home unless under 'tight escort' of her younger brother who is under strict instruction to record any 'bizarre act'. That leadership positions were a preserve of men. All these acts were justified in the name of 'protecting the dignity'  of the woman and the community. But amidst all these the African woman managed to assert her position as a human being. She triumphed. This victory is pure. It is what gives credence to her roles. This is why they embody hope and success.

                        Again,they understand the art of association and oneness. African women are naturally focused. They are ready to learn and cooperate for their common good. In a group of ten welfare groupings/associations, at-least seven belong to women. This is a clear proof of their readiness to work together. From these associations, they get their daily bread. They school their children. They heal their sick. They bury  their dead! Having looked at this is it therefore right to say that the African woman isn't capable of leading?

                       The African woman is entrepreneurial in nature. Business is her DNA. She is in-complete without venturing into business. They are players in local economies. They sell everything. From used clothings to household equipment. They touch all aspects of life of the African man. This is uniquely an african aspect. It is in-born. Any mention of an African woman must be accompanied by her love of business. This is why they have endured all challenges to keep their families going.

                      The African woman is a champion of collective good and victory. In every liberation struggle there are women players who operate behind the scenes. They nurture would-be leaders. They gather intelligence. In the absence of their husbands,they assume the double roles of a husband and a wife. This is a show of courage and love. Their thoughts are thoughts of peace. Rarely do you get an African woman propagate  what  will pose danger to the public. They are peace agents. This is probably the reason why post-war Liberia decided to pick a woman as its president so as to heal the wounds left by long years of wars and destruction.

                     The African woman is innovative. Challenges have sharpened their minds. If you want a lasting solution to an african problem, the woman is the answer. They have no boundaries. All humans are equal before her  hence deserve equal treatment. This tolerance gives her an upper-hand when it comes to peace-building and bridging broken relations. This could be the reason why women-headed organizations out-perform those headed by men.

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                      It pains a lot to hear some chaps say that women are worthless. To say this is to dehumanize women. Beings that dehumanize others aren't complete beings. We become complete when we accept that all humanity is complete. Women are complete creatures. They are the glue that holds humanity together. Allowing women to play their roles in the society will  be the best thing we can do to reward them. We are therefore obliged to rethink our stand on women. This is the first step towards attainment of full participation of women. 

                      Providing women with soft loans, skills on business, moral support, building market shades/stalls, defending them when faced with aggression will go along way in breathing life to the goodies they hold within them. This must be done!