Good leaders are made, not born and leadership is not gender restricted.

Anyone who has the desire and will can become a leader. Good leaders develop through a process of self development. The traditional belief that women cannot be leaders but only reserved for domestic servitude positions is fast waning and I must say here that it is a duty for those women who now enjoy this liberty to foster the drive to liberate others.

You see, leadership in itself is “a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the group in such a way that makes it more organized and consistent”. It is acquired! It is earned!

As bleak as the history of women in leadership is, we still find a number of women who in spite of the horrible status quo pushed through the veil and earned the respect of both male and female in their generation. They became outstanding. Such women include Deborah, Esther and Rahab of the Bible days. What about Queen Amina of Zaria, Queen India of Benin, Moremi Ajasaro and in more contemporary times, Mother Teresa, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransom Kuti and our own Bimbo Odukoya. You too can make a difference and join in the list of those who left their names in the hearts of many.

Contrary to many opinions, it is not being bossy that makes for leadership, it is being influential. It is your attributes (your gentleness, kindness, perseverance etc) that commands leadership. People respect you only because they are able to buy into your character not so much your position. If you want to make a difference in your generation, meet the needs of people.

Leadership is service! It is a selfless service commitment to improving the lives of others. A leader therefore is not recognized for who she is until she is recognized for what she does! It is how much you are able to use your natural giftings to positively affect humanity. In fact the simplest way to spell influence is ‘service’!

Most women do not prepare for leadership. In fact they don’t anticipate it but the responsibilities of life thrust leadership on them. You only need to get married to discover that as a wife you initiate and drive the process of the home. You only need to birth a child to find yourself modeling a lifestyle for another human being who never walked this path before.

So, the seemingly unimportant and everyday tasks that you do; housekeeping, children’s care, the church fellowship you lead; the prayers you offer ever so fervently for your nation may just be your path way to greatness. All you need is to be faithful in doing whatever your hands find to do and God will promote you.

Woman, your generation is waiting for you to manifest. Why don’t you rise and take the up the challenge?

See you at the top!