My First Blog: Why Women Need to Step Up and Take the Lead

Welcome to my very first blog! I’m thrilled to start this journey and even more excited to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart. This week, I want to talk about something that impacts us all deeply: the role of women in leadership and why it's essential for more women to dare to step up and take the lead.

Before diving in, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my loved ones. Thank you for supporting me through every step of this process—from the spark of an idea to the execution of this blog. And to everyone who helped me brainstorm and finally choose a name, your encouragement means the world. This blog is as much a result of your support as it is my own work.

As someone who has taken on numerous leadership roles in my university years—as a departmental representative, chairperson of the debate society, secretary for UNICEF, deputy president for a book club, and class representative for two consecutive years—I have seen firsthand the importance of diverse voices in leadership. Through these roles, I’ve experienced both the challenges and the rewarding moments that come with stepping up and speaking out.

I draw inspiration from someone who has profoundly impacted my perspective on leadership: Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019. Her words and presence continue to resonate with me, and her video [attached here] has become my daily affirmation, fueling my drive to speak out, be bold, and aspire to make a difference.

This year, during a political debate with our Student Representative Council (SRC), a discourse came up that has stayed with me ever since. It was about women in leadership and the curious reality we face: we often voice frustration when our needs aren’t prioritized by government and the society at large, yet when it comes time to vote, we often choose men. Men who- no matter how empathetic - can never fully grasp the lived experiences of women in our country. Without this personal insight, they may not understand the urgent need for specific provisions that address our challenges.

This isn’t to say men don’t make capable leaders, but it does highlight why we need women at the table. Women who intimately know what it’s like to navigate society with the unique struggles and perspectives we face. Women who can take our voices to the decision-making spaces, ensuring our issues are seen and prioritized.

The reality is, the few women in leadership today can only accomplish so much alone. If we want real, lasting change, more of us need to take the leap. So, to every woman reading this: dare to lead. Your voice matters, your perspective is invaluable, and your leadership can help shape the future. Let’s embrace our potential, seize opportunities, and create the change we all want to see.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and here’s to many more conversations that inspire action!