Women must challenge stereotypes
THE patriarchal setup in society has for years placed women as subordinate to men but today, campaigns to give them equal opportunities have been growing.
Traditionally, women have had to contend with playing peripheral roles as a result of the unjust economic, political and social structures in societies.
The vulnerability of women, especially in Africa, has continued, cultivated by traditions, culture, religion, family, law and the media which has not taken a position to support their upliftment.
In most of her writings, personal development consultant Cynthia Chirinda Hakutangwi explores various issues to do with women.
Her 2018 offering, the “Connection Factor for Women: Connections That Unlock the Potential of the Whole Woman” acknowledges that women are often misunderstood by their “actions, words and deeds”.
The author says that in her personal life journey “I have realised that it takes a strong resilient spirit, coupled with a healthy self-image in order to survive in this world as a woman.” (pvii)
The observation is true because in most situations, it appears women have to work twice as much as their male counterparts in order to achieve and even be recognised for advancement.
The book notes that many women are striving for meaningful, relevant and fulfilling connections with the potential to bring emotional fulfilment in their relationships.
However, negative experiences in their relationships make women protective in order to prevent their hearts from pain, disappointment and heartbreak.
The author shares some relational experiences of women from different walks of life while at the same time attempting to provide strategies that can assist women to unlock their potential through their connections.
The prisons imposed by these kinds of relationships prevent women from realising their full potential as they remain “locked up”, inhibiting self-improving actions that they might want to undertake as well as suppressing their ability to aim higher in life.
Hakutangwi opines that wisdom and completeness for women can only be achieved if they seek and understand their authentic identity and God-given life assignment.
She argues that the continued objectification of women and womanhood and the portrayal of women has influenced and conditioned girls to think that “they are nothing but something to a man”.
One of the major causes of this is the low self-esteem that women have and damages their sense of self-worth.
The author says this state begins at adolescent and teenage levels through the forms of media –“television, magazines, advertising and websites that emphasise impossible standards of beauty and appearance. Low self-esteem can lead to serious physical and mental health issues”. (p47)
The author says changing how women see themselves is not an event but a process in which some women may need professional help.
Hakutangwi was born in Chivhu, Mashonaland East Province and has grown into a sought-after organisational and personal development consultant.
A prolific writer, she is also a certified life coach and strategist whose interventions in various organisations and institutions have a proven record of organisational change management.
Her writings, production and ministry provoke people and even organisations and institutions to challenge their comfort zones and live balanced lives, creating transgenerational solutions through changing their whole worldview.