Black Panther movie – Photo credit: bustle.com
There are many reasons why Black Panther is a classic, historical, boundary-breaking movie. As an African and a Black woman, seeing my children’s faces represented on the big screen as the heroes they are, showed me how important this movie is. The powerful representation of women was also a strong testimony to the importance of female leadership, especially when it comes to Black women and women of color.
One of the biggest and most impactful aspects of Black Panther was its female ensemble of women warriors and leaders. The fearless female characters played by Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira Lupita Nyong’o, and Letitia Wright demonstrated that women can not only lead, but they they can defend an empire or organization like no other. From the revolutionary spy Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), to the army general Okoye (Danai Gurira), to Wakanda’s chief scientist and sister of the king Shuri, not to mention the Queen Mother (Angela Bassett), these women make up the very foundation of Wakanda’s society.
Most importantly, their work and undeniable leadership teach us a few precious career lessons as working women. Here are five of them I took out of the movie:
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Be dedicated to your purpose
One thing that is evident throughout the movie is the women’s passionate dedication to their purpose. Nakia, one of Wakanda’s most trusted spies, is devoted to helping oppressed people and protecting Wakanda. Okoye, the “general”, is the head of the Dora Milaje, the army of women warriors in charge of protecting King T’Challa. She is also dedicated to Wakanda, at the risk of losing her own love W’Kabi after he decides to betray King T’Challa. Shuri, the “smartest woman in the world”, is committed to fighting for Wakanda through the power of technology. These are a few examples of the power of Purpose in the lives of the women of Wakanda.
How much more effective would we be if we, as working women, were also unwavering in our purpose? Very often, society has us believe in the obstacles to achieving our career purpose, more than in our capacity to overcome them. The women of Wakanda show us that unwavering dedication ultimately wins!
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Don’t be afraid to communicate fearlessly
If there’s one thing that the women of Wakanda don’t do, is mince their words! From Shuri’s witty replies to Okoye’s authoritative commands, they don’t shy away from expressing their opinions. It is by standing by their principles and using their voices that they’re able to bring about change and victory.
What if, like them, we hesitated less when it came to sharing valuable knowledge and empowering opinions? What if we stepped into rooms traditionally reserved for men, like Okoye as the head of the army, or Shuri as a leader in STEM, with confidence and natural authority? It’s only by asking what we want that actually stand a chance of getting it.
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There is no such a thing as male-dominated fields
If you ask me, Disney should start working on a Shuri princess pronto. This witty genius in the movie is the perfect advocate for girls and women in STEM. Think of how many young girls are now dreaming of creating technological wonders like Shuri. Think of all the girls and women of color who now consider it normal to see themselves heading a laboratory and making strides in science.
What if we stopped considering certain fields or areas as reserved to men? What if we ventured into traditionally male-dominated fields and shared our expertise? The best way to break barriers is to act as if they didn’t exist in the first place.
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Intelligence and strategy beat power
From Shuri’s brilliance to the Dora Milaje’s army strategy in battle, the women of Wakanda display increadible intelligence throughout the movie. While their attractiveness is evident, it’s their mind and skill that call our attention.
As working women, it can be easy to discount our intelligence and strategic powers. We often think that the powers at play, especially in our careers or businesses, cannot be overcome. However, intelligence and strategy, skillfully used in our work, can open doors for us.
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Show up just as you are
Authenticity is the signature power of the Wakandan women. While there are many layers to their characters in Black Panther, they never fail to show up just as they are. As strong and purposeful as they are, they also don’t shy away from assuming their emotions. They’re comfortable in their skins, and not afraid to face controversy.
How many times do we, as working women, feel compelled to wear a mask at work? We often think that adopting certain behaviors or even a certain voice, can help us be more successful. What if, instead, we unapologetically and fearlessly showed up as who we are? There may be places where we may not be accepted. However, our impact would be multiplied in the right environments.
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The power of resilience is real
After T’Challa is defeated by Killmonger and is believed to be dead, it’s the women of Wakanda, including the Queen Mother, Nakia and Shuri, who seek ways to save the nation. Despite being distraught and at a loss, they decide not to quit. It is thanks to their resilience that King T’Challa is brought back to life and the nation rescued.
As working women, our professional paths can be long, winding roads filled with obstacles. We may be tempted to quit or give in to the pressure as we go. However, being persistent and resilient in our careers or businesses is what really helps us accomplish our ultimate goals.
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Organizations with women in leadership always win
Last but not least, one of the most important lessons Black Panther teaches us all is that organizations with women in leadership ultimately win. From the female elders to the Queen Mother, not to mention the general Okoye, Nakia, and Shuri, the women of Wakanda are the foundation of their society. It is thanks to them that the nation is flourishing and ultimately saved.
This goes to confirm what modern studies and statistics have clearly demonstrated. Any organization with women at the top is bound to succeed.
What do you think is the most important lesson that Black Panther teaches us as working women?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
