Editor,This is in reaction to Emma Nsekanabo’s article, “My female President…?” (The New Times, February 4, 2013). There is a Gikuyu proverb CIIRA NIWA ARUME, which means that men are born (anointed) with the gift of public leadership; while women are born with the gift of quiet diplomacy.
Editor,This is in reaction to Emma Nsekanabo’s article, "My female President…?” (The New Times, February 4, 2013). There is a Gikuyu proverb CIIRA NIWA ARUME, which means that men are born (anointed) with the gift of public leadership; while women are born with the gift of quiet diplomacy. These basic and crucial gender approaches to leadership were clearly demonstrated when the US Cabinet gathered to watch the death of Osama bin Laden (2011). One leader flinched visibly during the killing blows -- moved by her maternal instincts (not cowardice or unpatriotism). Sadly, this flicker of gender instinct was quickly smothered by the "tough boss” image that all women leaders adopt nowadays. This flicker also marked the turning point for my public career ambitions -- back towards the humble kitchen.Margaret S. Maringa, Baltimore, USA