Phenomenal Woman♥
Have You Wondered As A Woman, “How To Command A Room” in a Man’s World??
Story by Thelma Carr
Feminism, or the belief in women’s social, economic, and political equality, has provided women with a plethora of resources previously inaccessible to them. Since men and women should have equal access to social, economic, and political opportunities, women can also now be leaders. However, society has been conditioned to value men more than women and it is basically a “man’s world”, equality may often seem to be a purely theoretical concept. As a result of this, women face numerous economic, social, and political challenges. This is why women’s empowerment is important. Promoting women’s self-worth, their freedom to make their own decisions, and their right to affect social change for themselves and others is critical. Women, especially in the corporate world, are subjected to a great deal of microaggression and stereotypical judgments. Microaggressions are unintentional manifestations of sexism, racism, or other forms of discrimination directed at oppressed groups. Microaggressions that women face at work include the following:
♦ Assigned a job or duty solely on the basis of their gender. For example, to decorate the office for a party, take notes in a meeting, or get coffee.
♦ Having their competence/seniority questioned
♦ Being interrupted in meetings by men.
♦ Being told to dress and show themselves in a certain manner.
♦ Being told they’re too sensitive
♦ Being accused of lacking a sense of humor (especially when voicing outrage over a sexist joke)
♦ Being excluded from office-related tasks deemed “for the boys”
Women are not only subjected to microaggressions, but they are also subjected to stereotypes.
“This is the problem of ‘likability’, where women who are not assertive and fit the gender stereotype of a woman as being gentle and caring are liked more but not considered as leadership material. On the other hand, women who display traditional ‘masculine’ qualities such as assertiveness, forcefulness, and ambition are labeled as ‘bitchy’, unfeminine and aggressive, and hence generally disliked. In both cases, women are then less likely to be promoted than a man. Men do not face the same problem, because what is considered ‘bossy’ in a woman is considered leadership qualities in a man”. — Not Very Likeable: Here Is How Bias Is Affecting Women Leaders, Forbes
I wholeheartedly concur. These microaggressions and stereotypes, unfortunately, have a way of affecting a woman’s confidence and making it difficult for women leaders to work effectively.
Therefore, how would a woman then be able to stand tall despite all these and command a room?
These are some of the responses we received when we asked our community members what their take was on “How Does She Command a Room When She Walks In”?
“IMO, it means being confident in one’s potential, being one’s authentic self in whatever space a person finds themselves. When one believes in themselves and owns their thoughts and what they believe in, they give themselves the opportunity to let their light shine and that for me is enough to command (even if it’s just for that individual)” — Ewuramba
“She walks with purpose and confidence. She respects others and herself.” — Bethlehem
“When she walks into a room, everyone looks to her as a role model. She knows her worth and is not afraid to hide her weakness but works on it until it becomes her strength. She is not beaten down by failures but pushes through like how a truck pusher pushes his truck to get to his destination. She is not a know-it-all but avails herself for more learning.” — Ethel
“Women are super-beings; they can succeed in all areas of life and inspire others especially daughters. To be able to command a room, she must be effective in all areas, spiritually strong, assertive, resilient, tenacious yet empathic with a lot of energy and drive.” — Blessing
The elements that stood out the most in the majority of the responses we got from our community sisters were confidence, knowing her worth, believing in herself, and being resilient. And they are right! These characteristics show that you are not fearful of anything and you are deserving of whatever role you are in. People would have no choice but to follow your command when you possess these qualities.
“I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees…
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me”. — Maya Angelou
Let us all strive to be a “Phenomenal Woman” who possesses the qualities of confidence, resilience, self-belief, and self-worth so that we can command every room they enter, despite the obstacles established by society.
