Muthoni Mutonyi

When it comes to ambition, men don’t need permission. Men have long been expected to be cutthroat, ambitious people who will do anything to get ahead. But when a woman exhibits the same behaviors, it is viewed differently. For men, even the sky isn’t their limit. For women, there’s a glass ceiling. Even as we progress beyond that old way of thinking, it’s still the reality in businesses across the country and beyond.

Women are socialized to believe they should fit into a specific type of femininity. It’s a rigid definition; if you’re not soft, dainty, and genteel, you’re a threat. As soon as you speak up for yourself, you’re labeled a problem. As soon as you stand up for others, you are a target. Even women who embody traditional feminine qualities become threats if they show too much ambition.

Women seek resourceful men, whereas men seek attractive partners. When a man attracts a woman by boasting about his achievements and income, he is intimidated at the thought of a woman being more successful than him. That power shift tends to be too much for some men to bear. And women often find powerful men attractive. There is also the idea that women see ambitious women as a threat. So, women go out of their way to appear as though they’re not ambitious. It’s exhausting. And it’s unnecessary.

So, ambition is viewed as an attractive quality when a man possesses it, but not so much when it’s a woman. Sadly, many women agree. They don’t want to call themselves ambitious or admit to having ambitions because it has become a dirty word for women. But the world’s definition of ambition is something that many women strive for.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that ambition should not be the only metric by which we measure a woman’s empowerment. There’s no shame in women admitting they want to climb the career ladder. We sometimes look down on women who don’t share those goals because we’ve fallen prey to the same mentality men have had for thousands of years. We often hear phrases like “we all have the same hours as Oprah or any other girl boss,” implying that success is solely determined by ambition. While it’s true that we all have the same hours in a day, we may not have the same level of support or resources that influential figures have, allowing them to delegate tasks and focus on their ambitions. It’s important to remember that every successful woman has her own unique journey, and ambition alone does not guarantee empowerment.

Instead of solely fixating on career ambition, it is vital for women to find empowerment in various aspects of their lives. An empowered woman seeks fulfillment not just in her professional pursuits but also in her social life, intellect, purpose, finances, and well-being. These different areas of life contribute to a holistic sense of empowerment, ensuring that women thrive in all dimensions.

In terms of social life, an empowered woman nurtures and cultivates meaningful relationships. She values connections with friends, family, and community, recognizing the importance of support and collaboration. Through these relationships, she finds inspiration, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.

Intellectual empowerment involves continuous learning and growth. An empowered woman engages in lifelong education, whether through formal education, self-study, or pursuing new skills and interests. She seeks intellectual challenges and embraces curiosity, expanding her knowledge and understanding of the world.

Purpose is another crucial aspect of empowerment. An empowered woman aligns her actions and goals with her values and passions. She seeks to make a positive impact, whether it’s through her career, volunteer work, or personal projects. By living with purpose, she finds fulfillment and a sense of meaning in her endeavors.

Financial empowerment is essential for women to have autonomy and control over their lives. An empowered woman takes charge of her financial well-being, whether it’s by managing her finances, investing wisely, or striving for financial independence. By being financially empowered, she can make choices and decisions that align with her goals and aspirations.

Lastly, well-being is a fundamental pillar of empowerment. An empowered woman prioritizes self-care and recognizes the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She takes time to nurture herself, engage in activities that bring her joy and fulfillment, and maintains a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing well-being, she ensures that she is equipped to handle challenges, pursue her ambitions, and thrive in all areas of her life.

While the fight for gender equality in the workplace continues, it’s essential to broaden the definition of success and empowerment. Women should not be confined to a single narrow path to empowerment, solely based on career achievements. Empowerment is about realizing one’s potential, making meaningful contributions to society, and finding fulfillment in multiple areas.

Furthermore, nobody else can define ambition or success for an individual. Each person’s journey is unique, and it is up to each woman to determine her own ambitions and measure her own success. Society’s expectations and judgments should not hinder a woman’s ability to define and pursue her own goals.

As women break free from the fear of openly expressing their ambitions, it is equally important to remember that ambition is just one piece of the puzzle. To be truly empowered, women must nurture all aspects of their lives, aligning their ambitions with their personal values and overall well-being. This means valuing relationships, personal growth, self-care, and making an impact beyond the boundaries of the workplace.

In conclusion, while ambition in one’s career is undoubtedly important, it should not be the sole determining factor of empowerment for women. The old stereotypes and biases that limit women’s potential are slowly being dismantled, but we must also challenge the narrow definition of success that revolves around ambition alone. An empowered woman recognizes that true empowerment stems from a balanced and fulfilled life, encompassing various areas of personal growth, relationships, and well-being. As women continue to pursue their ambitions, it is crucial to embrace a broader perspective of empowerment and nurture all aspects of their lives to truly thrive.

Overall, it is important for women to recognize that ambition in their careers is just one aspect of their empowerment. By embracing a holistic approach to empowerment, women can find fulfillment and success in various areas of their lives. Breaking free from societal expectations and embracing their own definitions of ambition and success, women can truly empower themselves and inspire others along the way.