WOMAN, a journey to empowerment, the Anastasia Mikova & Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s film for BNP Paribas

Summary

The script highlights the transformative power of education, particularly for women, emphasizing its role in opening minds and providing empowerment through options. It touches on the challenges faced by women in the workplace, especially in Kenya, where they excel yet still shoulder domestic responsibilities. The narrative also explores the multifaceted role of mothers, the significance of earning one's own paycheck, and the pressure on women to succeed not just for themselves but as representatives of their gender. Additionally, it covers the journey of starting a business in a male-dominated field and the importance of financial literacy. The script concludes with a call for women to be vigilant and fight for their rights.

Takeaways

• 🎓 **Education Empowerment**: The speaker emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for empowerment, opening up the mind and providing options.
• 💼 **Success in the Workplace**: Kenyan women are succeeding in the workplace, challenging traditional gender roles and causing some men to feel threatened.
• 🏡 **Dual Role of Women**: Women are expected to excel at work and also maintain their domestic roles, highlighting the expectation to be multitaskers.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 **Motherhood Challenges**: The script discusses the constant demands of motherhood and the struggle to maintain a presence in children's lives.
• 🏦 **Financial Independence**: Earning a paycheck and having a bank account under one's own name is a significant milestone for the speaker, symbolizing independence.
• 💳 **First Paycheck Impact**: The feeling of receiving the first paycheck is profound, marking a transition to self-reliance and personal empowerment.
• 🌐 **Global Impact of Success**: The speaker's success as a woman in a leadership role carries implications for other women, reflecting societal expectations.
• 🚀 **Entrepreneurial Spirit**: Despite initial lack of knowledge, the speaker's venture into asset management and financial planning is successful, demonstrating determination and adaptability.
• 📈 **Business Growth**: The business grew to manage $200 million in assets, underscoring the speaker's entrepreneurial success and ability to coach others.
• 💪 **Advocacy for Women's Rights**: The speaker is a firm believer in women's rights and is actively advocating for them, reflecting a broader societal movement.

Q & A

What does the speaker consider education to be?

The speaker considers education to be a powerful tool that opens up the mind, provides freedom, options, and empowerment.

How does the speaker feel about her access to education?

The speaker feels privileged to have access to education, attributing her opportunities to her mother's efforts.

What challenges do Kenyan women face in the workplace according to the script?

Kenyan women face the challenge of outperforming men in the workplace, which can lead to male resentment, yet they still have to cater to men at home.

What roles does the speaker describe as being part of motherhood?

The speaker describes motherhood as involving roles such as being an ATM, a social worker, a lawyer, and sometimes a punching bag, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the job.

How does the speaker describe the feeling of earning her first paycheck?

The speaker describes earning her first paycheck as a significant and empowering moment that defined her as an independent working woman.

What was the speaker's reaction when she got her first card with her name on it?

The speaker was very happy and remembers the experience vividly, even going to the extent of withdrawing all her money to see it and then depositing it back to confirm it was real.

What was the pressure the speaker faced when assigned to a church in Baltimore?

The speaker was told that if she failed, it would be a long time before another woman would be appointed to a church of that size, implying her failure would reflect on all women.

Why did the speaker decide to start a business in asset management and financial planning?

The speaker decided to start the business to learn how to manage money, even if the business didn't succeed, to better raise her children.

What was the outcome of the speaker's business venture?

The business was successful, growing to manage 200 million in assets before being sold, and the speaker now coaches other financial advisors.

What advice does the speaker give to women about pursuing their goals?

The speaker advises women to have the courage, strength, and determination to pursue their goals, emphasizing that success is achievable even without formal education.

What is the speaker's stance on women fighting for their rights?

The speaker is a firm believer in women fighting for their rights and considers herself to be one of them.