Glenda Simms
THE MONTH of January 2006, on the cusp of the Year of the Dog, has recorded a few of the greatest and most defining moments in the universal struggle for a woman's right to participate at the highest levels of
decision-making in her society.
This moment in time has seen two courageous women taking centre stage in the world of politics and in the consciousness of the women of the developing world. One woman is Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, whose inauguration as the President of the Liberian nation was detailed by writer Lydia Polgreen and published in the January 17, 2006 edition of the New York Times.
In this account, Ms. Polgreen painted a vivid picture of a queenly African President taking her vows in full view of some of the most powerful patriarchs of the continent (including a beaming President Obasanjo of Nigeria); two powerful women of the United States of America (Madame Condoleeza Rice, a highly accomplished descendant of the same slave line that produced President Ellen, and Mrs. Laura Bush, the spouse of the President of the most powerful nation on earth) and young George Weah, who had to concede defeat to a deserving opponent one who won the hearts and minds of the Liberian people.
The other woman is Michelle Bachelet, the recently-elected President of Chile, whose meaning to her nation was described by reporter Larry Rohter in an article published in the January 16, 2006 edition of the New York Times.
MALE-DOMINATED NATION
In his discussion, Mr. Rohter reminded his readers that a guitar-strumming, socialist agnostic was selected by the majority of the 16 million Chilean
people to take the leadership of their "male-dominated, prosperous and deeply religious nation."
It is instructive to note the similarities between President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Senora Michelle Bachelet. Both women fall within the menopausal band of the female life cycle (one a little
further along than the other).
This slice of life has afforded both women an in-depth first-hand knowledge of the glory and the pain that
texture the lives of women.
It is also interesting to note that both women have been victims of the brutal contemporary political culture of their countries.
Both of this new breed of leaders have been attached to men in their personal lives, but at this point in their existence, they are the heads of their households and not anybody's spouse.
TIGHTENING THEIR BOOTSTRAPS
These women made their mark by tightening their own bootstraps. They did not need to hold on to any man's coat-tails to get to their present position.
In this sense, according to Larry Rohter, they are clearly distinguished from Violetta Chamorro of Nicaragua, Mireya Moscoso of Panama, Maria Estela Peron of Argentina and Janet Jagan of Guyana.
Over and above the level of personal autonomy and strength of character, both President Sirleaf and President-elect Bachelet have signified to the masses of their population that they truly care.
In fact, Señora Batchelet was not afraid to say that she will attend to the needs of women and the poor while she protected the economic strength of her nation state. Obviously, this breed of leaders understand the need for a new vision towards sustainable development in the developing world.
COMMITMENT TO UNITY
These two women of the moment have underlined their commitment to unity, fair play, transparency, justice and peace; and most importantly, both were able to project the best qualities of the nurturing, compassionate and strong will of the female persona.
Against this reality, both Lydia Polgreen and Larry Rohter concluded in an article in the January 22, 2006 edition of the New York Times that both in Liberia and Chile political clout demanded "a maternal touch."
In other words, both women and men who seek dramatic social changes, peaceful societies, honest and transparent public sector management and a more humane and decent value system, are looking for women to take the lead.
"Chilenas y Chilenos", ladies and
gentlemen, Mammy and Pappy, a fi wi time now.
Dr. Glenda P. Simms is a gender expert and consultant.
