In a proclamation dated November 21, 2013, Acting Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis proclaimed this week as National Women's Week (NWW) 2013, acknowledging the struggles of the women's suffrage movement, the involvement of women in the strengthening of our democracy and the important role of women in the building of our nation. It is noteworthy to state that national women's week is often set to coincide with the anniversary of women's right to vote in The Bahamas as well as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, which is usually recognized on November 25 each year.
History of women in leadership
A brief review of world history and female leadership dates back to several centuries ago when Egyptian queens ruled territories and kingdoms. The involvement of women in government took a different turn in the aftermath of World War I as few women became members of the revolutionary governments in countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Hungary and Ireland. Nina Bang is recorded as the first woman to be minister in a democratically elected parliamentary government between 1924 and 1926.
Sirivamo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the world's first female elected premier minister in 1960 and Isabel Peron of Argentina became the world's first woman president in 1974, albeit women had acted temporarily in similar capacities prior to these aforesaid elections. The United Nations currently has about 193 members; however, there are currently only 29 female leaders in countries or self-ruling territories which equates to about 15 percent of the total U.N. membership and does not include non-members of the U.N. The Caribbean presently boasts of woman prime ministers in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, excluding self-governing territories.
Bahamian women in leadership
It is fitting that the theme for this year's National Women's Week is "Promoting Women in Leadership in a Developing Bahamas" as our country stands at the door of opportunity in the midst of changing dynamics in the global economy and landscape. This week promises a number of discussions on our historical role in the development of The Bahamas and the part we wish to play in the future of our beloved country. The discussions will be incomplete if we fail to take an introspective look at ourselves as invaluable assets with unlimited potential as opposed to victims of discrimination and marginalization.
There seems to be a general consensus that The Bahamas has benefitted and continues to benefit tremendously from the contributions of the women of this great country from one generation to another. It is imperative therefore that the transfer of the mantle and passing of the torch remains seamless to ensure the continuous prosperity of our commonwealth. This reiterates the important fact that past and current female leaders assist in preparing the next generation of Bahamian women for leadership via mentoring, proper guidance and advice. It is incumbent upon today's leaders to ensure that the glory of the latter house is greater than the former.
Representation in decision making
The world-renowned business mogul Warren Buffett, in an article that appeared in Fortune some months ago, noted America's history of not promoting women he identified as one of America's greatest potential resources. Buffett delves into the minds of readers with the imagination of how much more success the US could enjoy by employing the other half of its talent. This anomaly is shown in the low level of representation of women in management, executive and senior management as well as board, as supported by myriad research and surveys in the private sector internationally. It would be interesting to see similar data for The Bahamas to ascertain the extent to which women are involved in corporate leadership.
Across the globe, studies continue to show that women are underrepresented in several areas of our society albeit studies also confirm that women are the main drivers of the global economy having a high consumer appetite and in most cases the principals of the decision- making process in terms of domestic purchases.
The gender disparity that exists in representation around decision-making tables in government and the private sector globally, and The Bahamas in particular, is in contrast with the results of research that suggest that women in leadership are more assertive, persuasive, empathic and results oriented. Female leaders have also scored high in building consensus and taking more risks in the achievement of objectives.
Coexisting and partnership in nation building
It is unfortunate that often times the idea of women's empowerment seems to be overshadowed by the fact that some men, and in some cases women, are of the view that women's empowerment equates to female dominance and a supposed eradication of the male species from the governance structure.
Consequently, it is necessary to dismiss the myth that allowing women to progress and take on more leadership roles and participate in the decision-making process renders the presence or contribution of men less vital. Women do not want to replace or become men; our objective is to work hand in hand and complement the men in the development of our beloved country by remaining consistent with the changing social and demographic landscape within society. In fact, it must be stressed that women's empowerment is not to be seen as a sexist or feminist idea or an idea that seeks to emasculate our male counterparts; rather, it must be seen as a necessity toward equality within our race and the increased social and economic prosperity of our nation.
Empowerment to achieve potential
During this week, the Zonta Clubs of The Bahamas, The Bahamas Crisis Centre and Bureau of Women's Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development will work together to highlight a zero tolerance within our archipelago toward violence against women and girls. This is vital, as putting an end to violence against women is central to women being empowered to use their God-given talents and achieve their full potential. The message is clear: no physical, psychological, mental, emotional or financial barrier should prevent women from being able to achieve their potential and fulfil their destinies.
In the Bahamian society, it is well documented that during the last general election, more women registered to vote compared to men. In addition, the most recent census conducted in 2010 is evidence that 51.6 percent of the Bahamian population is made up of women. In addition, the census reveals that more women possess educational qualifications beyond a high school degree. It is recorded that of the 43,467 persons in The Bahamas who attended college, 61 percent were females. In addition, of all degree holders, women account for 63 percent. The only segment where men outnumbered women was in the area of doctorate degrees, where 54 percent of the men held such a qualification.
Such statistics evidence that Bahamian women have and continue to position themselves for increased economic benefits as well as leadership opportunities. In this sense, leadership in The Bahamas, particularly at the government level, should begin to reflect statistical data.
The clarion call to women of our country is to become that which they have been created to be. We are victors and not victims; there are no limitations on that which we are able to attain. While we feel we have more to prove and work twice as hard as our male equivalents, this is only useful if it serves as fuel in our quest for excellence. The tendency to doubt ourselves must give way to resolve and confidence as we confront and overcome the challenges of 21st century Bahamas. Happy Women's Week!
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.
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