Woman Beyond Hedges

Dear Woman,

International Women’s Month is of utmost significance to me, not just because it is a month dedicated to celebrating women, but it also serves as a reminder of the strength that defines us as women and our remarkable power to change the world. From conferences held, to essays written, songs about and for women, and the opportunities created to ensure a more equal world for women, I find myself reminiscing about the past, how far we have come and what the future holds for us. So as we wrap up women’s month, I feel inclined to write to you. To remind you of the immense power you wield, as a woman. As a human.?

There is a feeling women understand the most: the feeling of helplessness and exhaustion. Everywhere we turn, it seems it is us against the world, we find our backs against the wall, or working twice as hard for a sliver of acknowledgement.

We find ourselves trying to prove that we are capable in a society designed not to see or honour women’s contributions. And as we climb the ladder professionally and across sectors, we strive to be seen and heard. There are limitations, there’s that glass ceiling everyone is talking about, and then there’s exhaustion.?

And I understand all of this.?

This month, we heard the exciting news of Zenith Bank's appointment of its first female CEO, Adaora Umeoji. Amidst great joy were the typical backhanded comments about her appointment, (a woman's appointment) despite the long trail of quality education and service following Adaora.

Regardless, in moments like this, I am reminded of women who have broken this ceiling even in the most horrendous situations – like Malala Yousafzai.? Women who dare to do and take risks like Pelumi Nubi. Women who press further like Tobi Amusan , like Victoria Abiola Ajayi . Women who are taking life one step at a time, making decisions, taking care of their families, solving the world's toughest problems, waking up everyday asking 'what can I do to alleviate some pain out there?' building business, creating, pushing and being. Women like you. These women are proof that we can always find our way in this world, if we push for more, demand better, and work smarter.?

As we work towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, I want to shift our focus to the things that truly matter: thriving even in difficult situations. Because women are slammed with multiple systemic failures and discrimination, it is easy to sink into the abyss of self-pity and resentment, focusing on the million and one things wrong with the world. Or thinking about how far we could have come, or the strides we'd have made if the world was perfect, if people respected women more, or if there were better opportunities for women. But the people who thrive the most are those who shift their focus from problems to solutions, showing resilience in the face of societal and personal failures, learning to navigate hurdles while still clamouring for a better, more equal society.??

Multiple findings have shown that we may not experience gender parity in our lifetime, however, we can make the world better in our own community and circles. We can dream big and have these dreams come true. We can want and pursue, and we can fight for the kind of life that we desire. We can believe, too.?

One reason I started Zero to One is to inspire you to take the plunge and be solution-driven. That is because being a solutionist drives my innovation as an entrepreneur and is the core of the positive impact I make today. I started HerVest because I not only found a problem, I also realised I could be the solution. Rather than focus on the many ways women are excluded in the finance space, I decided that alongside an aligned team, I could build a product that would be financially inclusive for women, locally and globally. I wrote ‘Stripped’ because I noticed many women struggled with building wealth that transcends generations. It was my way of providing solutions to this problem.?

So as we slowly leave women’s month, I want you to rise above adversities and be solutions-focused. I want you to not see yourself from a place of victimhood but instead trust in your capabilities to create the life you deserve and pave the way for women who have not walked this path. I want you to connect and build relationships with women. Surround yourself with women who inspire and bring out the best in you. ?Volunteer for causes dear to you, don’t be reluctant to take up and lead projects. Decide what success looks like for you and the path you want to tow to get there.

Above all, I want you to realise that challenges will forever abound, particularly for women in such a patriarchal world, but it is how we rise above them that truly defines us.

Until next week,

With ????

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