Creating Young Female Leaders for the Future
Sadeeq Usman OMAR (Nigeria)
It is estimated that youth form 70 percent of Nigeria’s population and make up a
powerful majority of the electorate at 65 percent. Thus, Nigeria with a population ofalmost 170 million is predominantly a youthful population. A greater percentage of thisyouthful population is female.
We live in a time of dynamic change in Nigeria. These young women are watching
the current trends in the political, social and economical arenas of our country and aredemanding accountability from our leaders, vocally and openly without fear ofrepercussions. These young women have equally moved from the level of hiding behindthe scenes to being aware of their potential in terms of gender equality and equity.
To be able to march into the future as young leaders for the next generation
however, they must act as one with a clear sense of what is important, putting forth
efforts to improve and create things that will make a difference, with a high sense ofcommitment to community and the nation, possess positive qualities like compassion,
fearlessness and good listening skills and above all, have the ability to inspire others.
The concept of leadership from time immemorial has carried the notion of
masculinity and the belief that men make better leaders than women. According toHojgaard (2002), the societal conventions regarding gender and leadership traditionally
exclude women, and the top leadership is viewed as a masculine domain. In our society,
it is believed that men lead and women follow. It is not uncommon in our rural villages
to find a man literally walking ahead of a woman. Different reasons may be advanced
for this but ultimately it illustrates the deeply held notion of leadership as masculine.
There is further argument that the cultural construction of leadership in itself
instigates difference and this is only now being transformed or contested as women gain
access to leadership positions and continue to aspire for leadership positions in all
spheres of governance in both public and private sectors. Great strides have been madein the political realm, and women’s participation in both the freedom struggles anddemocratic processes have been notable.
We are all aware of the role that women play as political leaders and entrepreneursin Nigeria, especially as heads of government agencies at all levels (federal, state andlocal governments) and heads of small and medium-sized businesses.
In essence, the following attributes can be ascribed to future young women leaders in
the next generation:
1. Passion and Ability to InspireHave passion for work and the capacity to motivate others with their passion.
2. Clear Set of Values
Have a clear set of values and live accordingly, act in ways that support her beliefs
and that would motivate others to become advocates for social change and innovation.
3. Commitment to Community and Nation
Be other-focused as opposed to self-focused; be active members of communityorganizations and activities, freely giving time and talents to benefit people
4. Selflessness and Acceptance of Others
Display acts of selfless service and acceptance of others who are in need, forexample, the less-privileged, the disabled, the elderly, etc. Never see barriers, rather,
see the needs of others and act on them no matter what their background or
circumstances.
5. Ability to Overcome Obstacles
Be able to show that success is possible even against all odds. Self efficacy, theability to believe in oneself and show that one can make a difference in the nation andthe world at large. Be able to inspire others to learn and also be able to show that
positive values can be lived each day.
In all, we can adduce that excellent progress has been made in the exemplary
leadership skills of our present female leaders such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who is
the Minister of Finance and the coordinating Minister of the Economy.
With Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and others like her, Nigeria and indeed Africa is poised toemerge as a leader in economic growth, political and social development. She has madeand is still making an immense contribution towards this development. In her previousand current position as the first female Finance Minister in Nigeria (2003-2006) and asManaging Director of the World Bank and head of the Makeda Fund, she has stoodfirmly and loudly against corruption and fought for increased accountability andtransparency. She has made significant and landmark contributions to the growth anddevelopment of the nation through hard work and a strong determination to succeed.
This woman along with many others has risen above barriers related to social andcultural expectations, the choice/or balance between work and family, and the stressthat accompanies positions of leadership. She has fought for recognition despite therisks involved and has come out on top in her chosen field. She is a role model for young
women in Nigeria to aim high for their futures.

Thus one can say that the future

leadership role of young women is very bright and can be looked at more optimisticallynow because of the achievements and recognition accorded to today’s female leaders.
I see a new image for future female leaders: they are well-educated, prepared totake on steady jobs with fair pay; are free to make important decisions and participate
in decision-making; are active in their community and in public life; and gain
recognition and inclusion in all structures of governance.