Let’s talk about trailblazing and glass-shattering, two of the most-used metaphors for women doing the impossible. But here’s the thing no one tells you – blazing a trail? Sis, you’re gonna get burned. Breaking a glass ceiling? Expect some serious cuts.
Sure, the world loves to celebrate the success stories, but let’s get real for a moment. The journey to get there is messy, painful, and often full of scars that no one ever sees. This isn’t about victimhood, it’s about truth. Women breaking barriers aren’t superhuman. They are brave, bold, and resilient, but they are also navigating the weight of expectations, the sting of criticism, and the constant grind of proving themselves in spaces that weren’t built for them.
Blazing Trails, Watch Out for the Flames!
Picture yourself taking the lead in a high-stakes project, starting your own business, or stepping into a role no one expected you to fill. The air is thick, the path ahead is uncharted, and every step feels like a battle. The sting of resistance feels like stepping on sharp gravel. It jolts you, but you keep moving. Blazing a trail isn’t easy. It’s gritty, exhausting, and, yes, it burns – being the only woman, the first to do it, or the one pushing boundaries can feel unbearably lonely, especially when everyone seems to have an opinion on how you’re doing it and how you should be doing it.
Take the story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Her fight for environmental conservation and women’s rights didn’t just make waves, it sparked fires. She faced imprisonment, criticism, and relentless resistance, yet she kept going. Her burns became a beacon for others. But imagine how much easier her journey might have been if there had been more hands to carry the torch alongside her.
Photo credit – www.nobleprize.org
Shattering Glass Ceilings, Handle with Care!
Now picture standing under a thick glass ceiling. You’ve been staring at it for years, waiting for your chance. And when you finally swing that hammer, it shatters spectacularly. Victory, right? Sure, but let’s talk about those cuts.
Breaking a ceiling often means:
- The sting of “too much” or “not enough” – Too loud, too soft, too ambitious or not ambitious enough.
- The deep gashes of scrutiny – Every move you make is examined under a microscope.
- The sharp edges of being the first – When you succeed, everyone expects you to pull them up too. No pressure, right?
As President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state broke barriers in leadership while rebuilding a war-torn nation. Her courage came with challenges, from political opposition to the weight of high expectations, but her legacy proves that shattering ceilings is worth every cut.
Photo credit: www.fragilitycouncil.org
The Scars Tell the Story
The burns and cuts aren’t just war wounds; they’re proof you’ve done something extraordinary. They’re stories of courage, yes, but they’re also reminders of the strength we gain when we share the load. No woman should have to bear the weight alone. Together, we turn those scars into a shared triumph.
The Power of Community
Ladies, let’s be honest, being a lone wolf might look cool in movies, but in real life, it’s exhausting. Why struggle solo when you can thrive together?
Here’s how we can lift each other up:
- Mentor a sister: Share your experiences, guide someone through their journey, and be the voice in their corner when they’re unsure of themselves.
- Collaborate, don’t compete: There’s enough room at the table for all of us, let’s build longer tables, not higher walls.
- Speak up for each other: Whether it’s in the boardroom, at a PTA meeting, or on social media, amplify another woman’s voice.
Reach out to the women blazing trails near you. Together, we’re stronger!
A Word for Trailblazers
If you’re out there breaking ceilings and blazing trails, here’s your reminder:
- Rest is your right: Take a break. Eat the cake. Book the vacation. You don’t have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.
- Your scars are beautiful: They’re proof of where you’ve been and how far you’ve come.
- Find your people: Whether it’s a sisterhood, a network, or just a small group of like-minded women, lean into those who support and uplift you.
For Everyone Else, Be the Support System
If you’ve benefitted from the work of these trailblazing women, don’t just stand on the sidelines cheering. Get in the game. Advocate for change, celebrate their efforts, and lighten the load where you can.
The Real Victory
Trailblazing and glass-shattering? They’re messy, painful, and full of scars. But they’re also worth it. Every burn and cut is part of a bigger story – a story of women refusing to settle, daring to lead, and building a legacy that future generations will walk upon.
So here’s to the women out there doing the impossible. Let’s not just celebrate their victories – let’s join them, support them, and lift each other higher. Because when women work together, there’s no ceiling that can hold us back. Burns heal, cuts fade, and scars become the map of a journey worth taking. Together, we are unstoppable.
If you’re looking for a space to connect, learn, and grow, check out SheThrives by AdeptAfriq, a community where women empower women through shared experiences, mentorship, and collaboration