Women, it is our duty to lead, on campus, at home, at work, and in every aspect of our lives. If we don’t use our natural talents and intuition to better our friends, family, school, co-workers, communities, and the world around us, then we will miss the opportunity to fulfill our destiny of greatness. I speak passionately on leadership today because it wasn’t until recently that I realized how virtually nonexistent gender equality is in leadership and how it can still be seen as unacceptable or frowned upon.
I recently was elected Student Government Association (SGA) president, a position of great responsibility and commitment. And for those of you who are familiar with the position, you can agree that it is not one to be taken lightly. Being only the second female to be elected in my university’s history, I took on the position with great appreciation and honor.
Many, however, did not share in my joy. I was informed that the idea of a female president was unrealistic and nontraditional, among other things. I ran unopposed, so individuals took it upon themselves to offer to fund the campaign of others in the hopes of finding a qualified competitor. Their efforts failed, however, and a destiny was fulfilled.
Standing in the midst of such stubbornness and reluctance, I found myself confident and steadfast, knowing my experience, talents, and vision could speak for themselves. Initially, to be honest, it was disheartening to know that people would allow their preconceived notions of gender to hinder their good judgment. I now know, as SGA president, that I’m representing not only myself and my school but the female population!
Ladies, if there was ever a moment that you were motivated to do more, go further, and achieve greatness, let it be now.
It is with an urgency that we stand and move forward, unaffected by the poisonous point of views of traditionalists. I charge you to become trailblazers, leading and inspiring. Organizations like AAUW are here to help cultivate and shape us into the intelligent, intellectual, and inventive women we are destined to be. As a woman, despite the roadblocks that are still ahead, just say to yourself, as renowned poet and role model Maya Angelou did, “Still, I rise.”
This post was written by Sabrina Stewart, 2008–09 AAUW Student Advisory Council member.
