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Written by Administrator
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Thursday, 24 July 2003 |
In a highly male-dominated arena, politics is always considered the rough and tumble sport where women are likely considered skeptical (or trying hard) participants. Add to that the Islamic emphasis on males being the protector and avenger of principles….what do you get?....”HA? BABAE ANG PRESIDENT ‘NYO?!?
Image. As Moros, we always have had lived with the preference of male leaders. And this is exactly the primary reason why the thought-provoking question mentioned became my pick-up line. Women are usually seen as either vulnerable or emotional, and these connote weakness – the same weakness that renders one incapable of leadership.
Feminine. Ha! This one is definitely the biggest blunder anyone can commit against me. Everyone would always paint this picture of a soft-spoken lady president who is not assertive. She waits for her staff to come together before she presides. She can be talked-out of any situation because women “have heart”, and “women understand”. And most likely than not, she does not question the system because she depends on it for power.
Dominance (Or the lack of it). Not having enough of it would mean lack of authority. Women can’t find the right and power to command. Female leaders may have the necessary knowledge and opinions but they have a problem demanding respect.
The three words mentioned are big words associated to women leaders. They may mean something, but they should not be of interest to me. One can only worry so much about image or reputation. I can honestly tell you that being emotional or vulnerable is a woman’s added appeal. Feelings fire up the passion, and in this case, the passion to serve. This ignites the will to lead. Once the fire burns, it keeps the organization’s mission alive.
Being feminine does not mean feeble-minded. Nor will it mean the absence of sound logic and intuition. Women “understand” because we balance the mind with the heart. Our ability to listen and withhold the iron grip means we see more alternatives than the ego-tripping and harsh judgments.
I may not be the “Hitler type” but I know when and where I want respect. Women leaders don’t carry their weight around because they see that their authority does not rest with the ability to command, but the importance of being obeyed. It is by obedience that we see respect. If the reverence is not there, then that is the time you let out the iron grip – for wanting the hard way.
All in all, I can never say I’m the kind of leader that expects to be recognized everywhere and anytime. Instead, I prefer to be lost in my own people’s views and concerns to be able to fully recognize the needs and aspirations of my organization. My style is not the “GMA-Taray Queen attack”. I’d prefer the “mother hen” approach. You give the chicks the best tender loving care they need, coupled by endless hours upholding their rights, and feeding them all the necessary wisdom to get by the cruel world. The maternal instinct is where the bond and respect thrives. And in the end, it is where the authority comes from when you tweak their heads for being stubborn.
“HA? BABAE ANG PRESIDENT ‘NYO?!?”. My honest reply, “OO, TAKOT MO LANG!”
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Maharlika Alonto is finishing her degree on Business Administration and Accountancy at UP Diliman. She is the current President of the UP Muslim Students’ Association (UP MSA).
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