Empowering Women Through Leadership and Character: A Modern Perspective

Empowerment is a term that has been used and misunderstood in various contexts. To me, empowerment means working towards equal work opportunities and confidence in making a living in various fields of work. It's not just about advocating for women, it's about demonstrating a capability that equals that of anyone else. This journey began in the 1970s, a time when women were societal anomalies in many traditionally male-dominated fields.

Striving for Equality in a Man's World

In my 20s, I worked as a telephone cable splicer and a cable TV installer, roles that were predominantly held by men. By breaking into these fields, I set a strong example for women who might follow. Later, in my professional life, I worked as a small water system consultant, manager, and operator. This journey culminated in my retirement from two careers and earning two degrees after the age of 49. My daughters also benefited from my example, gaining confidence in pursuing their own dreams and careers freely.

Throughout my life, I mentored women in the workplace and was involved in the Association of Black Women Attorneys (ABWA) chapter, where we provided scholarships to our local university for over 20 years. These actions were not just about advocating for women; they were about demonstrating that women could and should have the same opportunities men had.

Challenging Stereotypes in Gaming: A Pirate-Themed Adventure

While actively empowering women in the real world might seem like a thing of the past for me, I still find ways to challenge stereotypes and promote women's leadership through my role-playing games. Recently, I hosted a session of a pirate-themed game where the party explored the fictional Nassau. One of the key players, Maxine “Max” DuBois, turned out to be a female owner of a tavern, reminiscent of a character from the show 'Black Sails'.

This portrayal was not meant to fight the patriarchy, but rather to create an intriguing and powerful character. Maxine DuBois is a complex character who leverages her influence in Nassau without necessarily needing to swing a sword or pistol. Her character highlights the theme of women breaking gender barriers in a historical setting, where such actions were often taboo or frowned upon. This approach not only adds depth to the game but also serves as a subtle reminder of the importance of female leadership.

The character of Maxine DuBois, although a fictional one, brings a sense of realism and authenticity to the game. She is a leader in her community, a successful business owner, and a figure who defies gender norms. This character development also encourages players to think beyond traditional roles and consider the various ways in which women can exert their influence and lead.

Implications for Real-World Empowerment

While these examples may be from the realm of fiction, they have real-world implications. By seeing powerful female characters in media and literature, individuals—especially younger generations—are more likely to believe that women can hold leadership positions in various fields. These characters serve as role models and inspire real-world efforts towards gender equality.

Empowering women is an ongoing process, one that requires constant effort and vigilance. By providing strong examples and challenging stereotypes, whether in real life or through creative storytelling, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. The journey to empowerment is never truly over, but each step forward brings us closer to achieving true equality.