#IWD2021: Lessons to learn from Exceptional Women

2021-03-08T09:00:23+00:00

By Virtue Digest

Lessons to learn from Exceptional WomenYou might have seen International Women’s Day mentioned in the media or heard your friends talk about it. But, what is it for? What does the day entail and why do we celebrate the day?International Women’s day also known as IWD is a global day used to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Also, the day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. It is marked annually on March 8th. It is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements and it is marked annually on March 8th.The campaign theme for the 2021 International Women’s Day is “Choose To Challenge.” This explains that a challenged world is an alert world and from challenges comes change. So, women are advised to #ChooseToChallenge.Today, as we celebrate the International Women’s Day, we’d share some lessons to learn from exceptional women.

Tara Fela-Durotoye

She is a take-charge business woman known for setting up the first make-up studio and establishing the first make-up school in Nigeria. Tara is a Lawyer and a role model to many make-up artist. Here are some lessons to learn from Tara Durotoye:

Think beyond yourself. In her words, “When your effort results in the desire effect, then you have worked.” Therefore, for you to excel in your various fields, you need to think beyond yourself
Be consistent. When it comes to House of Tara International, she was consistent. Despite the challenges, she started her business in her 20s and today she is in her 40s. That is the only way you can stay relevant. According to her, “Life never gives you what you deserve, but what you decided.”
Start small. Tara started her brand, House of Tara from her living room. You really don’t have to wait till you’ve figured out the big dream. Start small, start now!

Osarentin Demuren

Osarentin Demuren

Osarentin is a Nigerian banker and the first female Chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank. She is also the first female director of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Here are some lessons to learn from Osarentin Demuren:

Leadership skills. Osarentin worked her way up to gain this exalted leadership position. She is an inspirational woman who against the odds has broken the glass ceiling to lead in a hugely male-dominated industry.
Build your self-confidence. Osarentin was confident enough to take the challenges in a different environment from the CBN. With self confidence, you’d become successful in your personal and professional life.
Let your expectations be high. According to her “the glass breaking action in a male dominated institution was accompanied by high expectation to deliver on the job.” So, whatever you do, people are expecting that you deliver a good job. This speaks volume about you.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (NOI) have overtime become role models and world chargers for growing and aspiring females. She is the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation and her appointment is a notch in what has been an illustrious career for the accomplished economist. Here are the lessons to learn from Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala:

You need to make an impact. Every post she held, NOI is known to always do something impactful. Remember how she helped Nigeria come out the $30 billion debt from Paris Club in 2005 as a finance minister? Yes, she is different. So, you too can dare to be different in your career.
Build meaningful relationships. As a result of this, many countries backed her up publicly during the race for the DG position. The relationship you build matter in your journey of life.
You need to believe in yourself. This is the first step to success. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala believed in herself by declaring to the whole world that she was the right person for the job. With her faith, she was able to stand out. So, be like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Ibukun Awosika

Ibukun Awosika is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist and author. She is the first female Chairman of the Board of Director, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.

Be a person of integrity. Ibukun Awosika is known for her integrity. You need to be deliberate about how you project yourself.
Delay gratification. In her words, “Don’t be in a rush to have it all, to buy luxuries because your mates are buying them. Be more focused on buying assets that will eventually pay for all the luxuries.” So, choose the pain of discipline over the ease distraction
Take a risk: Ibukun Awosika took many risks in her career while stating up. She said, “Every individual who is positively engaged is a person of risk in the society.” So, if you can’t take a risk, you cannot survive in this world because entrepreneurship is about taking a risk.

Therefore, International Women’s day is a time to reflect on the progress made, and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by women who have play extraordinary roles in the history of the countries.#ChooseToChallenge.Read Also: Cicely Tyson: The Positive Portrayal of Black Women on Screen