“Unity in adversity, supersedes the power of diversity” – Jennifer Oyelade MIRP

International Women’s Day marks the recognition of one of the most discussed agendas in the workplace and the 5th Sustainable Development Goal which is to achieve gender equality.

Over the last few decades, we have seen the role of a woman evolve from silent partners to visible contributors and the call for diversity in the workplace stems from the impact that women have made since the beginning of time, and have proven in various capacities, the value of their multi-faceted nature.

However, with the implementation of gender inclusion, also came the stereotypical pigeonhole that society has placed on women based on their age, ethnicity, marital status, beliefs, and socio-economic status. These subliminal unwritten rules has affected the employment and professional elevation of women because employers have used this information to attain whether we would be right for their organisation against the judgment of our technical know-how.

As women continue to make their footprint in society, we still face the complexities of gender inclusion, the grey areas of women-friendly company policies, and most importantly the emotional and professional struggle to handle the dynamics of a workplace that was once predominately male-driven.

Women in the professional space generally have to work twice as hard to be noticed and thrice as hard to supersede our male counterparts, unfortunately it’s the unwritten rule. However, because of this, we are seeing a strong force of women who choose to challenge; using their natural attributes both personally and professionally, to carve a niche of leadership using their natural ability to be nurturing.

As a collective, we are already challenging the economy to do better and be better. We are breaking grounds, shattering ceilings in various industries, and creating a lot of firsts. From being a female vice president of our generation to being the first female of a global trade organisation, we are truly challenging the economy to rise to the occasion. Between you and I, we can continue to challenge the many areas that require more inclusion in our own environment, be it in the workplace, the classroom, and our communities.

How? By adapting a more collaborative approach and leveraging our individual strengths to form a unit that comprises of different ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic differences, and everything in between. The message we are conveying to the rest of the world is that as a unit, we are powerful. But together we are a force that chooses to challenge the instability of diversity and Inclusion; not just for our generation but for the little girl who has big dreams. They are our daughters, our sisters, our nieces, and our cousins

Here is a poem I have written and taken from an upcoming project that I felt was apt in sharing for International Women’s Day

The Woman’s Mantra

I am who I choose to be because I embraced my scars.

Embraced my scars to reveal my star.

Shining brightly for all to see

The unique qualities that identify me.

Tenacious, Strong, and Bold,

You see, I’m a sight to behold.

Each waking moment of a new day, I wear my cape and begin to say.

“I’m a superwoman, yes I am and achieve things? Sure, I can.

I will utter from my lips as I sway my hips.

There’s no one like me, I ‘m my own pedigree.

I am who I am because I chose to be and walk on the path of my destiny.

– Jennifer Oyelade