Gatekeepers

Women have long been regarded as gatekeepers of morals, tradition and culture. They are entrusted with the responsibility of raising up children in the home as primary caregivers and outside the home. And as the first influence on children’s mind, they influence their thoughts and have a say in molding them into the adults they become.

Women and Retirement Planning

Historically the women in families of wealth in some cultures had power although it was soft and unwritten. 

It was up to the women to take up space if they chose or just be heard and seen without really needing to be legally mentioned in any document. 

Matriarchs in the Middle East have always wielded enormous power. Despite not being visible, they are invariably the force behind the strength, unity, and harmony within their families. Their consent were constantly sought for approval before any action concerning the family and its assets are undertaken.

Leadership within family businesses and corporate entities is undergoing a transformative shift, with women increasingly assuming prominent roles previously reserved for men.

Yemisi Edun has been the CEO of First City Monument Bank since 2021, Oluwakemi Somefun of Unity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank and Sola David Borha of Stanbic IBTC are just a few examples of leading women in the financial institutions in Nigeria. 

These women exists as examples of women breaking through glass ceilings and ascending to positions of authority within corporate organisations. However, the journey to leadership is often fraught with obstacles and systemic barriers. 

Women must navigate a complex environment filled with gender bias and cultural expectations, leveraging their skills, expertise, and resilience to carve out their place at the helm. 

Sabila Din, one of the esteemed speakers at our Conversations on Wealth Management Webinar, Wealth Webinar 3.0 spoke more about this. You can listen to her here.

Cultural Dynamics

The perception of women’s roles varies widely across cultural landscapes, hence the different ways women exercise the subtle power they have. In other words, though subtle influence has traditionally been a means for women to exert their impact within family setups, the degree to which they can exercise this influence depends on the prevalent societal rules, norms and their own choices.

In Iran, women were not allowed to watch football until FIFA threatened to ban the country from participation. Until recent years, most women were not allowed to work jobs, earn more than men, vote or have a say in public. This is gradually changing but very slowly in the Middle East.

In Saudi Arabia, women gained the right to vote in local elections in 2015, marking a significant milestone in their journey toward greater participation in public life. This was like a century after it became a law in the United States. 

In Nigeria, women from the northern region were the last to get the right to vote and that was in 1979. This clearly shows cultural dynamics in the different societies.

In conclusion, the subtle power of women transcends geographical boundaries and cultural divides, shaping the fabric of society and driving progress towards gender equality and prosperity.

As we navigate the complexities of family legacies, corporate realms, and cultural landscapes, it is important to recognize and harness the inherent potential of women as gatekeepers and leaders. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity, we pave the way for a future where women’s voices are heard, their contributions valued, and their influence celebrated as a cornerstone of societal advancement.

Kindly listen to our Panelist talk about the Subtle Power of Women at our Wealth Webinar 3.0 here.

Our series on the Wealthy Matriarch continues in subsequent editions of this Newsletter.