Women should be seen not heard – you’ve probably heard this phrase too many times especially if you are female. This phrase is believed to have evolved from “Children should be seen and not heard”, which meant children are allowed to be present for a conversation, but should maintain decorum unless spoken to. While it looked as harmless as a butterfly and seemed to be addressing all types of young children, its arrow primarily pointed at girls, reinforcing their silence.
Now, picture a boardroom with minimalist decor and frames showcasing the company’s achievements or motivational art. Executives and board members gather around a long table, seated comfortably to discuss and decide. The room feels professional, with large screens, video conferencing, and clear audio systems. Here, both men and women earn seats to contribute their share to important decisions.
Yet, even today, the old phrase from the 15th century still casts a shadow in decision rooms. When a woman voices disagreement, men glare as if she dared to challenge them unfairly. They say, “We have your type at home,” ignoring she earned her place in that room.
This pervasive attitude does not confine itself to boardrooms. It seeps into classrooms, where teachers and peers subtly remind girls to soften their voices and soften their opinions. Beyond classrooms, it lurks in family gatherings, where people respond to a woman’s contribution with a polite nod and quickly redirect attention.
It appears in casual talks when people say, “Why so loud?” On a bus, a woman speaks up about equal fare while a man spreads his legs selfishly. She squeezes her legs like sardines but quickly hears, “I have your type at home.” With that, society silences her view, treating it like a disruptive child at dinner. Still, society proudly calls itself progressive while continuing to silence women.
Consider the workplace, where people often interrupt or speak over a woman presenting her ideas. Colleagues might meet her suggestions with skepticism until a male colleague repackages and presents them as his own. Suddenly, everyone praises them as brilliant. The woman, pushed to a background role, watches others make her ideas flourish, wondering when people will truly hear her voice.
The consequences of this societal silencing are significant. People often scrutinize women who speak up and undervalue or dismiss their contributions. This stifles their potential and deprives the world of original perspectives and creative solutions. When people don’t hear women, they miss opportunities for greater growth and progress.
Imagine if everyone genuinely valued every voice, regardless of gender. The richness of diverse thoughts and experiences would lead to more comprehensive and effective decisions. The environment would not only be a place of professional excellence but also of inclusivity and respect.
Of course, breaking free from these outdated norms challenges us. We must show empathy, determination, and make a collective effort to ensure everyone hears every voice. Only then can we create a world where people relegate the phrase “women should be seen, not heard” to the past as a quaint relic of a bygone era.
Let’s not forget the many untold stories of brilliance that this oppressive mindset silenced. Society sidelined women who could have been trailblazers, innovators, and leaders, wasting their potential. We owe it to them and to future generations to ensure that outdated stereotypes never again stifle such talent.
Together, we can forge a future where people see, hear, and value every individual for their contributions. This means challenging the status quo, encouraging open dialogue, and fostering environments that celebrate diverse perspectives rather than just tolerate them. It’s time to embrace the full range of human potential and move beyond the shadows of the past.
The phrase “women should be seen, not heard” belongs to the past, but its echoes are as loud as a voice in the mountains. It’s up to us to decide whether to let the past hold us as captive, dictating our future and stifling the potential of tomorrow. The choice is ours to make.
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At Inside Success Nigeria, we believe in gender equality and a platform that allows inclusivity. To get share your story send a mail to Info@insidesucessnigeria.com. For updates visit our website and follow our instagram page @insidesuccessnigeria
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