When I think of the defining characteristics of womanhood, my first instinct is to cite characteristics like beauty, nurturance, warmth, sensitivity, and supportiveness. Stepping outside of the stereotypically-defined feminine attributes, however, we start to notice characteristics like complexity, resilience, and strength. Characteristics revolving around themes of strength are foundational to the functionality of women. Strength can be seen in the hard-working mother who is the primary provider for her family. It can also be seen in the woman who is discriminated against at her place of work simply for being a woman in a society with a long-standing patriarchal history. Themes of strength can be seen in many contexts and in women from all walks of life; we just have to look.
The primary example of a strong woman in my life is my mother. I have seen and heard about many of the adverse life experiences she has encountered and still, she rises to meet her challenges with courage. I sat down with her to have a conversation about the complexities and nuances that exemplify strength in the context of womanhood and what that has looked like in her life.
What is your definition of strength in the context of womanhood?
Strength means getting up at 4 o’clock in the morning before I go to work on projects that I am passionate about. Strength means exercising every day so that I do not die prematurely. Strength means drinking enough water when I can. Strength means making the community stronger by engaging with other people. My ultimate aim is to create a space that is safe for the people I love so that I can live forever and ever. That, to me, is strength.
Please describe a time in which you felt it was necessary for you to be strong, either for yourself or for others.
When my mom was dying, I knew I needed to be strong emotionally for my mom, my brother, and my children. Her passing made me the new matriarch of the family. You, Wambui, actually were a big source of strength for me during this time. I don’t know what it would have looked like if I was just taking care of my mom and I wasn’t nursing you and having you by my side consistently.
How does one strike a balance between strength and sensitivity? Or are the two mutually exclusives?
I believe my sensitivity is my strength. My sensitivity gives me ears to hear the needs of others and strengthen them. My sensitivity allows me to create and to be joyful. It allows me to continue to be vibrant even under scary, life-altering circumstances. My sensitivity allows me to hear and obey. That, I believe, is true strength.
Is there anything that your mother taught you about strength that you would be willing to share?
My mother and grandmother taught me the same thing: have your own money and know how to take care of yourself. Mama also taught me I can do anything I put my mind to. My grandmother added to always keep my hands in God’s hands.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.