“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored”. This was a statement made by Sheryl Kara Sandberg, An activist who is the chief operating officer (COO) of facebook and founder of leanin.org .
There has always been debate on the activities of women in the household, societies and organization. The major dispute about the feminism (contribution and performance of women), one is that women are not given equal opportunities to men and while the other is belief women lack ambition as men which have hindered their career progression.
The objective of this post is to examine characteristics of women, the breeding ground for women occupation , and differences between men and women in occupation relating them to the contribution and performance of women.
Characteristics of Women
i. Women can easily adapt their work and family obligations than Men. Women stability nature make them adapt to their work environment more than men.
Harriet Beecher Stowe said women are the real architects of society.
ii. Women have the mental strength to combine many things at the same time. You will see a woman playing the role of mother, house keeper, wife, daughter, community developer, Manager and still perform efficiently. Women are highly motivated, initiate action and activities with limited supervision.
iii. Women have proved to be fast in reasoning and thinking which is influenced by their success in household management.
"Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes." — Nancy Pelosi
iv. Women are patient which as made them more accountable and credible.
Gremeen Bank of Bangladesh proved that women are 3 times better credit risk than men.
v. Women potential to endure and be patient has proved to be an efficient tool that makes them relate with people efficiently. Patience is a virtue peculiar to must women in achieving steady growth in business.
"I am a Woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal Woman, that's me." ― Maya Angelou
Breeding Ground of Women
Women are majorly found in the informal industry (commerce and service occupation). The argument supporting this are
i. It is the sector women have the Knowledge and experience. Women lack access to network of information and confidence in what they can do. Women needing technical support and training are treated dismissively by interlocutors and consultants.
It is very important for women to not doubt their values and belief in them deserving every chance and opportunity in getting their dream.
ii. Women lack specific technical skills with dissuade them from going into high technological sector.
If you look at A. Lalitha, the first women engineer in india, she see through a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and nerve to make NO as not an answer.
iii. Women lack the financial strength to pull off high capital intensive operation.
Michelle Obama said there is no limit to what we as a woman can achieve.
Once you strongly belief, door will open.
Difference between women and men in occupation according to Shane (1997)
- Women are more likely to have positive revenue.
- Men are more likely to own employee firm.
- Men spend slightly more time on their new venture than women.
- Female owners prefer low risk/return business.
- Men are found more in technological intensive business that lose their competitive advantage quickly and have a less geographical localized custom base.
- Men start business with high expectations, carefully researching and identifying opportunities.
- Men are generally possess business experience prior to opening business.
With education, women activities in the society has increased, there has still been gender bias and other constraint that constitute threat to women carrier progression. The major factor is the Mind of individuals. Some ethnic still belief women should remain as a supportive role to the men. In country like Nigeria, a woman cannot own property, she has to register it under the name of her husband. Even in the aspect of sharing inheritance, the woman is consider least.
The achievement, success and activities of great women like
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,
Amina J. Mohammed,
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
Folorunsho Alakija,
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
Linda Ikeji, Agbani Derego,
Joke Silva,
Ana Patricia Botin,
Christine Lagarde,
Sheryl Sandberg, ]
Angela Merkel,
Oprah Winfrey,
Hillary Clinton,
Indra Nooyi,
Sonia Gandhi,
Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner,
Mrs. Chinyere Onyenaucheye,
Elfrida Adeho,
Prof. Grace Alele Williams,
Rose Mary Ukeje,
Mrs. Margaret Ekpo has all proven that if women are giving equal rights and opportunities, they will have the skills and capabilities necessary to compete with male.
"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made... It shouldn't be that women are the exception." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The main reason I see women not given their due recognition in the society is because they lack ambitions as men. Until women are as ambitious as men, they’re not going to achieve as much as men. Women don’t take enough risks. Men are just ‘foot on the gas pedal.’ Women are not going to close the achievement gap until they close the ambition gap. I end my post with this powerful statement from great women to challenge the women out there.
"Whether I am meant to or not, I challenge assumptions about women. I do make some people uncomfortable, which I'm well aware of, but that's just part of coming to grips with what I believe is still one of the most important pieces of unfinished business in human history—empowering women to be able to stand up for themselves." — Hillary Clinton
"We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead."— Beyoncé
"A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." — Eleanor Roosevelt