Abstract
“Mothering the nation” emerged as a symbolic and ideological concept and a theoretical framework for understanding female leadership. It also provided a powerful narrative for humanizing the state. Almost all of the women leaders interviewed saw a strong connection between motherhood and leadership. This was viewed as essential because of the proclivity of male leadership toward authoritarian dictatorships, one-party rule, and wars. The need was felt for a change in the paradigm of leadership from a patri-centric to a matri-centric; one that would emphasize humanistic values such as compassion, nurturance, healing, as well as social and economic development, moral fortitude and peace. These values were viewed as imperative and urgent.
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© 2011 Filomina Chioma Steady
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Steady, F.C. (2011). Analytical Insights on Female Leadership. In: Women and Leadership in West Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137010391_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137010391_8
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-34114-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-01039-1
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