#ChooseToChallenge

March 8 is International Women's Day. Here Africa Legal writer, Ifeoluwa Ogunbufunmi, reflects on what having strong women as role models has meant to her.

I've always made bold decisions. This has stemmed from being around inspiring women who have directly and indirectly influenced me.

My mum is golden! I grew up watching her display uncommon strength, learning from her how to speak up, to understand the power of forgiveness, and to be compassionate. She taught me the value of education. She always and still prioritises it and cannot wait till I start my postgraduate degree. It'll be dedicated to her and all she keeps doing for me. She's beyond amazing!

My mentor, Dr Jumoke Oduwole (who currently serves as the Special Assistant to Nigeria's President on Ease of Doing Business) is stellar! Nothing mediocre, nothing half-baked, just pure excellence. As early as my second year, I learnt from her that I should never be afraid to stand out and to separate myself with excellence. "The world is your oyster," are her constant words to me.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first-female Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Kamala Harris, the first-female Vice President of the United States, have made a simple bold statement to me by their recent roles - Nothing is impossible for she who is prepared!

Women need strong women in their lives who, beyond inspiring them, are constantly investing in them. Mentoring is only a first step.

I understand that many women may not have been lucky to have so much inspiration around them. My challenge to you is, choose to be inspiring. Let your character, your career, your business, your skills, always inspire others. Let it propel other women to push beyond boundaries just by simply watching you. You are someone's positive inspiration.

To all the women around the world, I #choosetochallenge you to keep making unimaginable things happen; never stop reaching for everything you deserve and fighting for all you care about; keep doing it in a way that'll lead others to join you and show care and compassion while at it!


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