Flavia Tumusiime continues to share inspiring stories from her life and career in the “30 days of Flavia Tumusiime” series. On day 17, she posted:
“It has been tough for me to comfortably define myself as an independent woman. I used to think it is about putting your foot down and proving you can do just as or better than a man.
My first breakup was tough because I didnt have an identity outside of the person I was dating. I had dreams and ambitions but had to shy away from them because I didn’t want to surpass the man or overshadow his success. So regardless of his support of what I wanted to do, I just couldn’t bring myself to be that confident.
I used to talk myself into quitting my career many times and looked for answers everywhere and the failure to balance my personal with professional always took a toll on me. I was told to slow down and be careful not to be too successful so that I can attract a man and not be intimidating.
My mother gave me words of advice – “a woman was made to be nurturing, precious and her vulnerability and emotions are actually strength not weakness. It doesn’t matter how educated you are, how much money you have,how many people you know or how famous you are. If you don’t know your role and definition as a woman and respect yourself and those in your life, you will look for respect with your money and education you will never have it.”
Respect yourself and all around you and learn to balance your role as a woman with your individuality.“
BigEyeUg Staff