Being a woman is both an interesting journey, potpourri of amazing challenges and a steep climb onto the highest mountains.

As a little girl, young woman and an elderly lady, each facet of your life is filled with the need to challenge the status quo and redefine what life holds for you, especially in a patriarchal society like ours.

In patriarchal societies where women are made to play second fiddle in almost all spheres of life, a woman has to struggle to be recognised, stand out and make a name for herself, some times from the bedroom all the way to the boardroom.

It may be surprising to note or learn that many people in the society still feel that a woman should be restricted to the kitchen, the ‘other room’, the living room and the labour room. Some fathers, husbands and mother-in-laws still think this way in this day and age. To them the woman is neither to be seen or heard and any attempt by her to object or step outside these boundaries means and brings serious punishment.

The sons, boys and brothers see this happening to their mothers, sisters and girls in general and gradually their minds are conditioned to see these as the norm, in turn they do the same because that is what they picked from their male relatives etc. thus making it alright for them.

This superiority complex follows the male folk to school where girls are set right for challenging them with some ‘good beating’. As the men grow up they extend the bullying to the place of work where women and ladies are openly victimized for daring to stand up, speak out, or be heard. And this vicious circle goes on and on.

The theme for the year 2023 International Women’s Day ‘Embrace Equity’ is pretty apt, and couldn’t have come at a better time. A time where we watched in horror as a young girl who chose education over an early marriage was flogged mercilessly by men. In the work place where women suffer and endure sexual advances and harassment from male senior executives, while the Hollywood sexual scandals have left a very bitter taste in the mouth and a general feeling of disgust for the perpetrators, some of which have been brought to book. And last year when the senate of Nigeria refused to allow foreign spouses of Nigerian women citizenship as it is the case with their male counterparts. The list goes on and on.

In embracing equity, some points are pretty important to note. Firstly charity must begin from the home. It is from the home that the girl child learns dignity and where the boy child learns to treat girls and women with dignity. Mothers should not leave the house chores to the girls alone, but must ensure these are equally shared among both sexes. Stop giving the impression that the girl is made for house chores while the boy is meant to watch television and play football. Always treat both children equally. Stop teaching your girl child that she is only good for marriage and childbearing as such investing in her is a huge waste, while teaching the boy to be ‘smart’ because he will carry on the family name and legacy.

Next, free your girls and women to dream big dreams and aim for the skies. Stop belittling them. Both sexes are meant to compliment each other and not complete with one another. Both males and females must be given a level playing ground on which they can strive to attain great heights.

Thirdly, the idea that a woman should submit to all men is by no means scriptural. A woman is to submit to her husband alone and honour her father and mother. So please male folk put an end to this drama of trying/wanting to lord over every female that comes your way.

Fourthly, women please carry yourself with dignity. Affirm yourself as often as possible. Stand your ground when you have to. Don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights.

Look around you and around the world. See how women are creating and making positive impacts in their various fields of endeavor. We now have more female pilots and fighter jet pilots, we have more female bank managing directors, female board chairmen (chairwomen), female heads of states and heads of government. And you know what? They are just getting started.

As the female gender seeks to embrace equity, we all must learn to work together for and not against ourselves. We should do away with the idea of feeling threatened thereby preventing others from climbing up the ladder. The mentors should have mentors they look up to, while the mentees should also be ready and available to mentor those coming behind them.

Embracing equity means embracing unity amongst ourselves as well as creating a level playing ground for all women folk in spite of race, marital status, maternal status, financial or education status to thrive.

Finally remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God. He made you for a purpose and planted you in the world here and now because He has deposited something great in you that can solve the problems of this generation. Always work together because united we stand and divided we fall. Embrace your uniqueness. Embrace your sameness. Embrace your hopes and dreams. And above all embrace God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, without whom you can’t do or be anything.

See you at the top and wishing you a happy International women’s day!