Reaching for history, President Barack Obama on Tuesday chose federal appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court, championing her as a compassionate, seasoned jurist whose against-the-odds life journey affirms the American dream. In her speech, Judge Sotomayor said ‘I am an ordinary person who has been blessed with opportunity of extraordinary work”

I grew up in a society where women’s position, intelligence, leadership skills were not recognized until much later in the 19^th century after independence.  After Kenya’s independence in December, 1963, women started to aspire for leadership positions in all spheres of governance in both the public and private sectors.  Women still face many of these leadership positions with challenges, however, cultural barriers and cultural expectations, combined with the choice and/or balance between work and family is an issue.  Great strides have been made in the political realm, and women’s participation in both the freedom struggles and democratic processes of many African countries have been notable. However, this participation has not always translated into equal representation in political leadership positions. Once elections are conducted, and positions are assigned, one realizes that women are no longer visible a common error that need to be addressed.

Some countries like South Africa have made much progress within a short space of time in their efforts toward a gender-neutral society, but for others the pace has been much slower. It should also be noted that attaining positions of power and leadership is one thing, but could it be that women pay a higher price than men? Gwendolyn Mikell (1997) captured the dilemma for women in her statement that “Contemporary African women sometimes think of themselves as walking a political/gender tightrope” (p.1), in that African women are concerned about the large number of economic and political problems facing their communities, but at the same time they are “grappling with how to affirm their own identities while transforming societal notions of gender and familial roles” (Mikell, 1997, p.1).

With new appointment of Judge Sotomayor, this should challenge women not to be afraid of taking leadership positions, including cultural and gender barriers.  Women play a great role in balancing their lives between work and family; and the stress that accompanies positions of leadership are experienced differently by men and women. However, there is no doubt that there are success stories.

Many women have changed the course of our lives - to name a few Winnie Mandela of South Africa, Professor Wangare Mathaai of Kenya. Brave women of the world have made a difference in our societies and continue to make changes.  Secretary of State, Madam Hilary Clinton recognized brave women of the world including - Mutabar Tadjibayeya f Uzbekistan, First Lady Michelle Obama, Veronika Marchenko of Russia, Wazhma Frogh of Afghanistan, Norman Cruz of Guatemala, Suaad Abbas Salman Allami of Iraq, Ambiga Screenevasan of Malaysia, and Hadizatou Mani of Niger. Award recipient Reem al Numery of Yemen, and of course not forgetting The Iron Lady - Margaret Thatcher of UK.  Activism is notable area of success in the women’s movement- their successes in educational and academic leadership should not be taken lightly.  Many women have gained certain freedom by facing social and cultural challenges/barriers, however that is what makes today’s world of women leaders respected.