We have been socialized into seeing women a certain way.  If a woman is confident and assertive, we say she is bossy with a domineering spirit.  If we see the man with the same attributes, we call him an ambitious go-getter.  We have been conditioned to frown upon women with certain attributes and celebrate men with the same.  Also, when two men fight do we say ‘men are their own enemies’?  How often do we see men fight? Men fighting has led to wars, torn down nations, destroyed families and yet we do not say men are their own enemies.  We have been conditioned to understand that conflict between men is normal/acceptable.  It is a fact that women do not always get along and there are some women in the workplace who you may not get along with.  Does that equate to women being their own enemies? For me it is a big no.  My most supportive networks and cheerleaders are/ have been women.  When I wanted to pursue a PhD it was women who provided most encouragement, during my studies it was women (specifically my church group) who gave me the most support.  Even now in my career my female friendships are the ones I can depend on.  Of course, I meet women who do not like me and would want to tear me down.  I am not fazed by that at all, it is a part of life.  However, I would not reduce that behaviour to women are their own enemies. 

It’s My Story: In society, women tend to be put into boxes a lot. There are a lot of ceilings to break. What would you advise a woman who finds herself in a context (for example in marriage, in her career, in her family etc) where women are not encouraged to break ceilings? How do we prevail over gender stereotypes of what a woman is supposed to be?

Dr Nunoo: In my book of God’s promises, one of the promises of God that I hold onto dearly is the promise that my life will refute stereotypes.  A life that refutes stereotypes, thus breaking glass ceilings, is not an easy one.  It means a life of going it alone, having to focus, not get easily distracted, tune out lots of the ‘noise’ (especially the negative kind) and not seek the approval of people.  It can be tough, but I can say that it is rewarding.  You must be sure that what you are doing is in God’s will.  That way you are completely covered.  God is so patient because the amount of times I ask God, ‘God are you sure about this?’ and He just holds my hand and walks with me every step of the way- even through the tough times.  I have had to go against what people have said and choose to follow what God says.  This can be painful, especially when it means going against loved ones (family).  I have learnt to seek God’s approval first and foremost and this is particularly difficult in culture that tells you that approval must come from family first.  I am now at peace with being considered a bit of a maverick and going against the grain because I’ve come this far with God that I’m not going to give up.  With God there are no boxes, and He can and does use anyone for His glory so my advice would be to seek out His will for your life.  If that requires shattering some glass ceilings, then remember that it is His hand that goes before you to shatter it- all you have to do it is follow.  As I said, it is not necessarily an easy life, but the rewards make the work worthwhile.