IWD2018: 5 Moments of Female Inspiration While Travelling

If you’ve seen Marvel’s Black Panther, then you’ve ‘been’ to Wakanda. In honor of the 2018 International Women’s Day on Thursday, I’m sharing five times I’ve been inspired by women while travelling starting with that time I went to Wakanda. Women’s History month highlights the contribution of women to events in history and society.

In my opinion, Black Panther was an amazing movie with so many layers, but can we talk about the women of Wakanda? Not one, but 4 leading females: from the loyalty and just all around badassness (is that a word) of wig-snatching warrior Okoye, to the swag and innovative genius of young Shuri, from the intelligence and dedication of Nakia, to the calm elegance of the Queen, even in loss. This movie was one for all women, and for black women especially. How can you see this and not be inspired to strive for excellence in all that you do? I’m thankful that my niece has movies like this where not 1, but 4 different strong black female characters fully own their being, and do it with excellence, grit, love, and a whole load of sass!

Grandma Wellwornheels

While sitting with my grandma in Lagos, Nigeria over the Christmas holidays, I finally asked her about the few years she spent in the UK studying. Turns out my grandma was the original ajala (Nigerian term for traveller) in the family. About 50 years ago, she travelled by sea (legally) from Lagos Nigeria to London (via Paris). The voyage took 13 days from Lagos to Paris. She particularly remembers the stop in Paris, meeting French and Italians for the first time, a night out dancing, and drinking wine. Hold on…who? What alcohol, grandma? And whom were you dancing with?

Hearing this story inspired me in so many ways. First her memory!!! I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast this morning. Second, I loved that she arrived in a new country and went on to have a great time. It’s this adventurous spirit/outlook on life I hope is passed down to me and multiplied a hundred fold in the generations to come. If this is what I’m made of, then I’m good!! In the mean time, please share any memory-enhancing games!

 

‘Travel to as many destinations as possible for the sake of education as well as pleasure’ – Maya Angelou

Riders in Vietnam

Two years ago, I spent 13 days travelling through Vietnam. In Vietnam, motorbikes are a primary form of transportation. During rush hour in Hanoi and Saigon, I saw hundreds of women dressed in all sorts of professional wear don their helmets and high heels and ride their motorbikes/scooters to and from work.

While on a day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc from Hanoi, we explored caves by Sampan boats. Sampan boats can ‘rowed’ normally or by feet. The woman in charge of our boat was a lady casually rowing with her feet while texting as if it was nothing. From the women riding the motorbikes to the ladies rowing the Sampan boats, these Vietnamese women were doing these things with ease and finesse, above societal notions of what women can/cannot do!

 

 

Lebo & The Ladies at The Safari Lodge

I shared in this post about my time on Safari in South Africa where Lebo welcomed me to the lodge, and then called on the rest of the team because they’d never had a black person in that space. I wasn’t riding on a chariot to ‘save’ anyone; I’m a woman that dreamed of seeing the world and actively takes steps to do so. However, in that moment just by being there, I represented something to them. Something that made it worth bringing out the whole kitchen crew, almost reducing me to tears. I was inspired to remember that representation matters, not only in boardrooms, or in government, but also in travel and in other spaces that we might discount. I’m all too aware of the fact that I’m nobody but I’m now conscious that I might just be what someone else needs to see.

 

Women of Cape Town

In my recap of my time in Cape Town here, I shared how I visited three Langa township businesses in one day. A woman owned every single one of those businesses: the pre-school, the sheep roasting business, and the Shebeen (a local pub). I was reminded of the critical roles women play in the society regardless of socio-economic status. We are nurturers, providers, entrepreneurs, employers, and so much more!

 

#PressForProgress

According to the countdown on the International Women’s Day website, we are over 200 years away from achieving gender parity globally. It is not lost on me that the timeline varies in different part of the world. However, by being #BoldForChange or #PressingforProgress each year, I certainly hope that we can accelerate that timeline.

So all month, I raise my imaginary glass to all the women I’ve encountered in my travels that have taught me a thing or two, inspired me, shared a hug, a story, or even a ride.

 

I’m a traveller, a daughter, a sister, a friend, an aunt, and a professional woman (amongst other things). I’m one of three daughters, raised to express well-thought out perspectives and be open to those perspectives being challenged. A mom that juggled raising four young kids while going to school and building a career raised me. I’m certain that these circumstances have influenced some of my choices. I’ve been blessed to work for and with some amazing men over the course of my career. These men set the bar for what it means to #PressforProgress as allies and people in positions of influence.

 

A Question For You

What are you doing to celebrate international women’s day as a woman, or for the women in your life? Do you think it’s unnecessary? Have you had travel moments where you’ve been inspired by the women you’ve come across? Please share in the comments section; I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Womens History Month/International Women’s Day! Let’s #PressforProgress!

 

If you enjoyed reading this post, please use the social media share buttons, and subscribe (to your right) to be notified of new posts weekly.

See you next week,

Dee