Empowerment: Changing one step at a time
Over the years the word “Empowerment” or “Empower” has meant different things to me and depending on where I am in the world and in what environment, I often find myself thinking of what impact it has and how we can gain more. How can we share it so that we can Empower many?
Some Five years ago we spent some time living with the Maasai in Endulin near Ngorongoro, and whilst we met many stand out when I think about the word Empowerment. His name is Kimani and whilst in his late 20’s (I never did ask) we had many in-depth discussions about culture and beliefs, western society and changes. Kimani is a very insightful and fortunate individual who whilst embracing his culture and their beliefs, understood the need for some change.
He was a warrior and respectfully fulfilled his duties through various cultural ceremonies but was also able to go to school and pursue some of his passions – further study at Moshi University and starting a Foundation for girls. Now I do want to say Kimani was not your typical Maasai. He speaks Ma (traditional Maasai), Swahili and English (enough to be able to have significant discussions with).
He is committed to upholding the Maasai culture but has stated that he also recognises that there are aspects that need to change. His Foundation is about empowering young girls and sharing his knowledge with them and others within his community about the significant impact females have in society and how his culture needs to review some of their practices, especially those involving young girls (I won’t elaborate on this occasion but I am sure that you can explore these yourself). During our stay, Kimani asked me what I thought of his commitment.
So, here we are in the middle of Ngorongoro, knowing that the Maasai live in communities with extended families and in some instances 3 generations I stopped to think, and as I reflected, the first thing that came to mind was that I was not equipped to truly understand the magnitude of such a question. How could I possibly understand and have an opinion on what he just asked me?
As the question continued to circle around in my mind all I could see and feel was pain and joy (at the same time). Joy for the young girl to be given such a vision but pain to have to share that vision with her mother and grandmother and extend family, all of whom have followed true Maasai traditions. The fear she is likely to feel, “what will they think? Will she have to abscond? Will she be accepted?” and on the other hand “how empowering. The future ahead of her will be as she can choose a career, be educated, choose a suitable partner for herself and so on”.
So, as I reflected on my thoughts and the emotions that ran within me, I responded…. “Kimani how could I possibly answer that? I am a white middle-aged female who has had so many privileges in life. I don’t think I could begin to imagine what it would be like for these young girls to be given that opportunity and to live life with such options. You are Empowering them to have “choice” but at the same time you asking them and those around them to embrace change.”
How powerful a situation.
That moment was a point of crystallisation for me. ONE sole person with a vision, not for himself but for others, has begun a journey that will inevitably change the lives of so many. Not just young girls, but those around them too.
EMPOWERMENT. Kimani has set out not only to support but to Empower young girls within his community, others within his community too as they will now be encouraged to consider his vision and share in the journey. People like me and my teenage daughter at the time have been empowered to think beyond our inner circle and consider what else. I know that now when I am confronted with something, it is with open arms that I am embracing it. Whilst there may be elements of fear it is the challenge and the joy in sharing any journey that inspires me to succeed.
I met young girls who shared with me a vision to go to school, finish and study to be a Pilot, a teacher, and so many other things. Years later on one of my other visits, I met with students at St Jude’s who too shared their vision and aspirations of becoming a Doctor, Engineers etc. So when I look around me in my everyday life (away from Tanzania), and I hear the word Empower, I think of Kimani and then listen to those sharing their story and vision of Empowerment.
We all have a part to play in Empowering those around us. Empowering people is not just in our words but in our actions. When we see strength in people, let’s share that with them as it is likely that they may not see it within themselves.
When we see people have a voice and step up to have it heard, thank them for allowing you to hear what they had to say. When someone who is brilliant, smart and funny shares with you that they want to succeed because they want their “father or mother or grandparent etc” to be proud of them. Share with them that a simple thought….tell them “I suspect that they are very proud of who you are and what you have achieved. Sometimes expressing ourselves does not come easy and whilst people may be thinking about how proud they are of you, they may not be confident to share it.”
On a deeper level, I ask if you can perhaps be conscious of yourself in those moments too and how you see yourself. We all have strengths, we all have passions, we all have dreams and, in these journeys, we at times may doubt ourselves, so be part of your own support team by “empowering yourself”.
Remember our own actions and beliefs are observed so if we truly what to empower, it also means that we must empower ourselves so that we can empower others.
We are part of the change. Look inwards not externally for praise. Those of you who are parents, grandparents, Uncles, Aunties, Managers, Leaders etc take the footsteps that you want others to follow. Create a path and show people how easy it can be to be Empowered and to Empower.
We all want the generations that follow to be brilliant, so let’s all Empower them to strive to be the best version of themselves.