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The other day, someone asked me what my definition of enduring beauty is, what the single most essential quality that makes a woman outstanding could be.
It was a no-brainer, really. “Defiance.” I said.
I’m no feminist and I’m eager to clarify the context by saying ‘defiance doesn’t have to be disruptive’.
The defiance I speak of cuts across culture or race and is often a quiet commitment to truth and progress against all odds – the persistent refusal to give up on one’s dreams; an unshakeable faith in love and humanity…
Who are the defiant women around you? What women have you known to defy the odds – economically, emotionally and socially? What challenges have you defied in your own life?
Defiant fire burned in Rosa Parks’ eyes when she refused to stand up and go sit in the back of a bus in the era of blatant cultural segregation. This single act of defiance fueled the civil rights movement and created numerous opportunities for African Americans and other marginalised people.
In the spirit of defiance, British journalist and TV presenter, Wendy Turner Webster, bravely ended an abusive long term relationship and reclaimed her life. By sharing her gruesome personal experiences, Wendy is educating people about the insidious nature of domestic violence and empowering abused women to defy the odds.
In these modern times, organisational and political glass ceilings hinder many women from attaining their full potential. But that didn’t stop Corazon Aquino from becoming the first female president of the Philippines and displaying the sterling leadership qualities that inspired Time Magazine to honour the self labeled ‘plain housewife’ as its 1987 Woman of the Year.
Nigerian born Flora Nwapa gave women a voice in the traditionally male dominated publishing world when she became the first black African woman to publish a novel in the English language. The prolific Nwapa also became one of the first African women to own and run a publishing company.
Indeed despite living conditions many cannot imagine, women in many parts of Africa are striving for an education, starting micro businesses, nurturing their families and leaving a legacy for future generations rather than take the easy road by relying solely on charitable donations.
It is women of uncommon beauty and courage, hidden heroes, such as these that have inspired the debut literary novel Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman.
So who are the defiant women we have left out and why do you think so? What women have you known to defy the odds – economically, emotionally and socially – and how? What odds have you defied in your own life? Gentlemen, please don’t be left out! Tell us about the women who pleasantly surprise, support and inspire you.
Generous, albeit concise, comments are wanted in our first in a series of exciting book giveaways for Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman! The top 3 contributors will be selected on December 3rd 2009 and will win autographed ‘collector’s edition’ copies of the inspirational novel, Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman. You can also participate in the contest by tweeting/facebooking/trackbacking this post (just add your comment along with the link).
*This ‘Book Giveaway’ is open to residents of the UK, U.S.A and Lagos/Nigeria, only. Want to inspire others whilst spreading the word? Then please post a link to this book giveaway blogpage on your website, blog, blogroll, or Twitter/Facebook status. Winners will be announced on this blog mainly so subscribe to our email alerts and RSS feed to stay in the know. Once notified, winners must email full names and postal addresses (no p.o.boxes) within 3 working days. If you want to comment just for fun that’s fine too.
Now, go for it!
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
I admire the former late President Corazon C. Aquino who died of colon cancer this year. She also received the Nobel Prize – such a prestigious award for the first woman president of the Philippines who restored democracy to her people. Her husband (who was assassinated while she was still alive) was also considered a modern hero of the Philippines.
Thanks for your comment, Suma. What other defiant women have we left out?
This is really beautiful. Most people wouldn’t think of the word defiant when you ask them the same thing. Most would prefer to say beauty, or character. And yet everyone would agree that defiance is indeed a correct answer for that.
I’m also very glad that you mentioned the late former Philippine President Cory Aquino (may her soul rest in peace). Fighting for the people’s privilege of freedom has never been an easy task. Most Filipina (term for Filipino women) are like her but she’s the one who led them through the collective struggle.
My mother is definitely a defiant woman! Since we lost our dad in an auto crash 15 years ago she’s singlehandedly raised 4 kids and run a very successful catering business which she started from our tiny kitchen. Moms are heroes anyday anytime.
Thanks for starting this. We women need to see more strong, well rounded, role models in the media.
Yes, you were right to have described the essential quality that makes a woman outstanding as defiance – beyond physical beauty, women really do worth a lot in our society.
“A quiet commitment to truth and progress against all odds – the persistent refusal to give up on one’s dreams no matter what…”
Jade Goody is one of the women who did not give up – campaigning for the survival of other women even whilst dying of cancer. She has created a lot of awareness about cervical cancer and made an impact on a lot of young women (may her defiant soul rest in peace).
The book Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman is so inspiring and a must for everyone to read.
My wife is definitely a defiant woman! She ‘defied’ her parents’ wishes and married me (I didn’t qualify mainly because I’m from a different culture) – enduring much ridicule on my account not to mention being disinherited.
But 10 years later we’re still happily married and her family’s starting to come round. Did I mention that we now have two adorable little girls?
Unfortunately there aren’t as many defiant women as there should be, but articles like this one will encourage the ones who are afraid to break away from an abusive relationship, or the ones just trying to be heard not to give up. Great reading.
I think that all the women who face daily struggles and make the necessary effort to get through the day should be considered defiant. Nowadays there are so many challenges and stones on our way that it is easy to give up, but we don’t. So I consider our grandmothers, mothers and all women defiant, including myself.
Thanks for the inspiring article.
Oprah Winfrey is my example of a defiant woman. She’s had such hard times yet went on to become a very successful woman. She’s an icon.
If it weren’t for defiant women, we would not have the right to vote, have a job, be independent and maybe books like yours would have no place in our society.
Thank you Ogo Ogbata and all the women who stood up for other women.
@ Tamya: Thank you too for your contribution.
It takes a lot to defy the odds, but confidence and courage are the foundation for it.
A defiant woman for me was/is Indira Gandhi.
Indira Gandhi? I sure remember Mahatma Gandhi by hearing that. Obviously its not his wife’s name and I’m not really familiar with India. Would you please share here what defiance did she show for you to mention her here?
“Obviously its not his wife’s name and I’m not really familiar with India.”
I mean Indira by the way, not India. (Typo)
Defiance… That’s a unique description but its really cool. Another defiant woman that I believe we have not mentioned, would probably be Sultana… Familiar? Sultana is actually not the real name of our hero here but her pen name. But once you remember her, you’ll understand how courageous she is even though we’re not able to use her real name.
Sultana… The name does sound familiar but I might also be wrong because as you said, its just her pen name. What is it with her for you to admire her here?
Hello, this is a great article on Defiant Women. Indeed you are a great writer Ogbata. It’s great to see that even though you’ve finished your book, you’re still continuing to spread your words through this blog. A push, this is. A push towards women being understood by the world more thoroughly.
Sultana! I do remember the name! You are right to mention her in here. She is a great topic to discuss. She is the girl in the Princess Story – a book about the life of Muslim women in the Middle East.
Thanks for your kind words, Kaycee and everyone! Keep the comments coming…
Who are the women (famous or not) that have achieved great feats against all odds? What women support and inspire you?
For me, the late president Corazon Aquino of the Philippines. For restoring democracy to the Filipino people and fighting for human rights. She is indeed a remarkable woman. I salute and admire her work.
Lets go to the unsung heroes of our times – of course non other than my mother who’s love, dedication and affection cannot be measured by anything in this world.
Thanks for this blog and the invitation to comment and contribute O.G.!
I would like to salute all mothers as defiant women who rule the world. From the cradle they raised their children against all possible and even seemingly impossible odds. They gave us life and taught us how to live our lives on this earth and beyond. All mothers are heroes.
When I think of “defiant”, I think of Amelia Earhart. Not only was she the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, she also defied gravity! There weren’t many female pilots in those days. She paved the way for a new generation of female pilots.
Thanks so much for your comments, everyone!
Thanks!
Lets write until they admit it and stop doing it! I am writing right now!
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Greetings, I love your blog. This is a cool site and I wanted to post a little note to let you know. Great job! Thanks, Louis.
Thanks again and again!
@ Darangetletry: Do link to the article. No copying without ‘due accreditation’ please.
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