By Cliffsimeon Akalonu
Women have been told to imbibe sterling qualities and be inspired by their male counterparts who manifest positive dispositions at home and in work places where competence and respect for productivity is the norm.
The NIWA Lagos chief, Engr Sarat Braimah, at an event marking the International Women’s Day, 2022, with the theme “Surviving In A Man’s World”, pictured that as a growing child, her mother was a role model who rose to the pinnacle of her profession as a top Civil Servant.
She said, “I saw my mother in the best moments of taking critical decisions. She waved off bullying and pressures from her male superiors.”
Engr. Braimah recalls that through her days as an Engineering student in the University, she was heads-up and focused, navigating through pressures from lecturers and classmates who, sometimes, wondered about the source of her inspiration.
The multiple award winning amazon, Engr Sarat told the womenfolk at work that outside the corridors of academic pursuit, it is the same as timelines must be applied to the work environment.
She said there are no excuses associated with being a woman. Having established that fact, I am willing to go the extra mile to sacrifice comfort and other fanciful externals. My male bosses and colleagues are also challenged to assist and provide me necessary support to deliver on my mandate”.
From female colleagues, challenges also arise, I deliberately build walls to discourage distractions from my gender group on issues inimical to the job at hand. Instead, I help many to choose productivity above self – consciousness and pity.
She explains that in the Marine Engineering world, one must work like a soldier: focused, determined and sacrificial. “You must be intrepid, adventurous and a goal getter. It’s what separates you from others; also what counts in our environment. No dulling, as they say “.
Managing home and career is also part of the game plan of leadership survival, she said to women”.
She expressed worry over some young female persons in the profession who leveraged on culture and not hardwork to propel their vision for tomorrow.
“I am still learning from my male bosses and even younger colleagues working under me.
She advised that the rule of the thumb is to deliver before excuses. If as a woman you are not ready to work beyond the confines of established rules of engagement, office norms, then; the system will pass you by and will hardly reckon with you at the place of recognition.
