When a Woman Leads…
by Stella Paul | September 1, 2011 at 4:59 AM
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Rihana, 27, lives in a slum of India’s Ahmedabad city. For years, poverty and hunger were constant companions of this daughter of a daily wage earner; often there was no food at home and to suppress the hunger clawing inside her, Rihana would chew tobacco, among other things, just like other young people around her did.
Years later, Rihana now worked for an NGO that trains young people like her into video making. In many ways she was now playing a community leader’s role, highlighting problems, generating awareness and initiating discussions.
In Dec’ 2009 Rihana was working on a new video, focused on tobacco addiction among the urban poor. As she worked, Rihana was hit by a thought: she, who was asking others to give up addiction, was a tobacco addict herself.
So, on the day that the shoot of the video began, Rihana took an oath to give up chewing tobacco forever.
The video went on to win lots of accolades and saw at least 50 young people giving up their addiction to tobacco. Besides technical qualities, what really made it special is the fact that the maker of the video was a woman who believed in practicing what she preached.
And that, to me, is the example of a real leader who leads by example!
Comments
Transformation
Rihana's action is a beautiful case of transformation brought about by her conscientization on the ill effects of tobacco and being equally involved in the campaign against addiction. A transformed person, a survivor is the most effective advocate and as you've rightly said it - leader. We hope that by Rihana's shining example many more young people especially girls will give up smoking.
Thanks for sharing her story.
Paulina from the Philippines
www.womenchampiononline.com
Thanks to you too!
Yes, there are many Rihanas around us, who, if given a helping hand, could make great leaders. I am happy,there are people like you who are working towards being that helping hand.
Best and thanks for reading!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Always know your purpose
Rihana's action could have started as a reflection which finally came to a reality. Its a good example as the saying goes, "unless you see it come, you may never get it". Rihana knew her purpose.
James
Yes
Dear James
Yes, Rihana does know her purpose. And this s why she is a leader,though she didn't study beyond the 5th grade,
Thanks for reading!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
beautiful story
I agree. That's a wonderful demonstration of leadership by example ... Makes the story that much more powerful!
Love,
Ruthibelle
ruthibelle.blogspot.com
Thank you!
Dear Ruth
The story is beautiful only when the read. So, thanks for reading and making it worth telling!
Best wishes!
Stella
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Thanks Stella
I so much appreciate you and your initiative and I ay thao manyeople th gooearts will come up to transform more lives. We need radical transformation in our World. Thanks again.
Olutosin Oladosu Adebowale
Kanthari 2013 Set
Global Change Leader (COADY 2013)
Founder/Project Coordinator
Star of Hope Transformation Centre
512 Road
F Close
Festac Town
Lagos-Nigeria
https://www.facebook.com/olu
Missed you!
I missed talking to you all these days sister! Glad to reconnect. The kind of work you are doing has a pressing need in our society!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Thanks for sharing. It is
Thanks for sharing. It is definitely a good example of setting things right at the very basic level.
Love
Nusrat
Yes indeed!
Yes, if the world is going to be perfect - the way we envisage it - development needs to start happening at the bottom of the pyramid and even a singular effort is important. Thanks for reading!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
You are right. That is what
You are right. That is what we are lacking these days; leaders that inspire people around them to believe in the goodness of human beings.
What I feel
Dear friend
What think is that if we don't get enough good news, its not because there is a shortage of it. The real reason is that its not considered important enough to tell. Hopefully things will change someday soon -after all you and me- all are working for it.
Best!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Stella sis, very nice story,,
Stella sis, very nice story,, thank you so much for sharing here. It really make people to be transfermed in good!!.
Live and Let Live
Usha
DREAM
I'm always saying; if woman leaded & ruled the world it will be a better place.. will become a safe and perfect and full of love
Yes it will be
That's a world such as that is a dream we all love, and for all the logical reasons. And, its something we all are trying to make happen. All the best!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Leadership with commitment
It is only going through certain experiences that one can be committed to take leadership with passion.
Do not give up, a difference in the life of one person is worth the strive.
Amie
Amie
Leader by Example
Excellent piece dear Stella. I read your article with huge concern and interest. I give a giant thump-up to Rihanna and thank you so much for sharing her story. These are the kind of role models we desire to engage with in our society.
Stay Blessed
Zoneziwoh
Coordinator : Women Under 30
Blog: http://zofem.blogspot.com/
Website http://www.zoneziwohshow.com
Meritocracy,
You are one
Dear Zoneziwoh
Yes, we need role models who can not just command, but also inspire. And you are already there, working towards it. I call that a good example too and wish you all the best!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Good to read this piece and
Good to read this piece and thanks for sharing her story!!
Pinky
Others will follow
Dear Pinky
Ekla chalo re',said Tagore. And we say the next line,'when you walk alone, others will definitely follow'.
Thanks for reading!
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe
Very aptly said Stella
Very aptly said Stella
Pinky
Good Example
She was a good example for them .I really appreciate her because there is a saying " If you want other to change a better way , you must try yourself first."
Very true
It happened in all ages. We all want to see an example before we believe. Real leaders never hesitate to set examples, because they are not hereto fool,but to inspire.
Stella Paul
Twitter: @stellasglobe