Prominent women leaders have praised the sterling courage and statesmanship of the former first Lady, Hillary Clinton who lost the US Presidential election to her Republican rival, Donald Trump. The occasion was the launch of Essential Woman. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former minister of Education; Ndidi Nwuneli, founder of LEAP Africa and other prominent Nigerian women hailed Clinton’s courage in promptly congratulating her rival who won the election, they especially extolled her virtue and perseverance in the just concluded election.
The women who spoke on the launch of Essential Woman Magazine which took place last Tuesday at The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi Lagos, praised her for putting up a good fight in spite of all odds, they added that her courage has raised the bar for women’s participation in democracy.
According to Ezekwesili, who described the Essential Magazine, as a brilliant debut publication that focuses on character, achievement and celebration of women, “Hillary is an epitome of essential woman, because she raised an incredible home, and also raised the bar of nobility and large-heart.’’ She said: “Hillary lived with her husband despite many disappointments that happened in her marriage. She has been an incredible professional, a brilliant first lady, Senator, Secretary of States and almost became a President of US.
“She showed so much resilience and character in the way she performed during the election. You don’t have to win votes to be a winner. All around the world, Hillary is seen as a woman who won. She won in terms of being a great symbol for women and girls, who would like to aspire to become anything, as far as their talents could take them.
“Despite defeat in two different occasions, she has showed the quality of being unstoppable, the quality of ‘I have a Dream and I have to go for it,’ these are attributes she left us with. Her defeat does not mean a defeat to the women across the world. We have not been defeated, because every election must produce a winner.”
She however, urged African women to continue to fight in every sphere of life in order to become a great human, professional sisters, daughters, mothers and wives. She added that it was possible to occasionally tilt in direction that creates imbalances but there is need to recalibrate and find balance.
Ndidi Nwuneli, founder of LEAP Africa, said Hillary remains an inspiration to the women across the world by putting up a good fight in two different occasions with two powerful men. She however, called on African women to start exhibiting leadership character in all spheres of life.
She said: “It is high time for African women to develop a strong woman character like Hillary Clinton. Africa has been producing more women, who are building their leadership capacities. We stimulated great changes in the private sector and civil society. We shall soon produce remarkable women in the political landscape. When women have economic power, they can have political power.”
She further noted that her foundation LEAP Africa has helped to train women in ethics and leadership, adding that the foundation has produced dynamic young women who have the potential to change the world.
Speakers who spoke at the occasion include Ononnoju Irukwu, Ada Osakwe, Ego Boyo, Kehinde Nwani and Vivien Shobo. Others are Mo Abudu, Titi Ogufere, Yeni Kuti, Morayo Afolabi Brown, Ayona Trimnell, and other prominent women.
The magazine promotes and showcases business women of diverse occupations and provides opportunities that will encourage growth professionally, personally and resourcefully. The mission is to support the women in business and public service by amplifying their voices, stories and achievements. It is also aimed at identifying role models in every facet and creating a new generation of leader.
