OPEN DOORS TO THE RIGHT WOMEN

RESpeakers: ARTICLE

OPEN DOORS TO THE RIGHT WOMEN

Joy Mueni Muli

Women empowerment. This phrase elicits various emotions among us. Women, for one, are elated at the share of the pie they can now enjoy; a flood of open doors that would have previously been closed.

On the matter of opening doors, I recently learnt of the terms affirmative action and tokenism in relation to fem inism while tuning into an online webinar on the same. The panelist who introduced these terms noted that a law such as the 1/3 gender rule is one that promotes the opportunities for women as a minority group in society, that is, it brings about affirmative action. Such a law is an avenue to give women equal access to leadership and positions of influence. On the other hand, let’s look at tokenism in matters feminism. It is the inclu sion of women in order to create an illusion of a gen der-fair environment. For

example, leadership roles may end up with unqualified women filling the seats, just because, they are women. As great as it is to see diversity and representation buzzing as a priority in many spaces, let token ism not be used to stage a dire performance of inclu sion. Those who practice it ensure their efforts are publi cized, seeking applause as if they are doing a lot, when in fact, they have done close to nothing in terms of impact. They are doing society and all other women a great injustice. My take? I’ll echo the words of the panelist who aptly put it; “Open doors for the right women, not at the expense of competence.”

And a word to all women who will have these doors opened to them. May your qualifications go before your gender. May your womanhood be an accentuation to your qualification rather than an excuse to offer you a seat at the table. And while at the table, please make decisions that matter. Be impactful and set the pace for the women who will come after you. Work well. By all means, be the right woman for the job.