Why do men fear powerful women?
Faith Mwondha, the embattled Inspector General of Government (IGG), has been described as a fearless woman who shunned Parliament vetting and ignored the President’s suggestion that she stays on leave. <b>Rebecca Harshbarger</b> talked to her about how
Faith Mwondha, the embattled Inspector General of Government (IGG), has been described as a fearless woman who shunned Parliament vetting and ignored the President’s suggestion that she stays on leave. Rebecca Harshbarger talked to her about how this character fits a married woman.
How does your husband handle such a fearless woman?
He doesn’t look at me as a powerful wife, because he’s known me since we were very young. He doesn’t see anything strange. In fact, he gives me advice. He has no inferiority complex. I don’t know why other men fear powerful women. My husband appreciates my progress, and encourages me. He says he sees in me something that can help our nation grow. He calls it a sacrifice and encourages me on to save people without any reservation.
Sounds like a perfect man! Who is he?
He’s a teacher, he teaches Physics and Mathematics.
How did you meet?
Our families were neighbours. We grew up together from childhood. From villagemates, we met at the university and became friends.
And the family?
I have six children - we have a lawyer, an accountant, a human rights advocate, a teacher and the rest are students.
How do they handle the spotlight?
They have persevered. Without my family, I don’t know where I would be. They have been my best friends and my husband has even said he is not regretting anything.
How do you deal with sexism?
It’s tough, people think women can’t perform. They think they can intimidate and compromise us, until we have to prove the contrary. They think we can’t perform and they try to test us. Some send letters with a very aggressive tone, and when it is in writing, you can use the law to deal with intimidation. However, the legal fraternity is dominated by men, but we are soon catching up with our numbers, due to affirmative action.
You say you are a God’s messenger?
I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal saviour. My family was really Anglican and I was brought up in an Anglican setting. When my father died in detention in 1984, the spirit came upon me and I accepted Jesus. I have no regrets.
I brought my kids up in a spiritual way, with God's help and, actually, they are God's children; I am just the caregiver. As for my work as the IGG, it is the Lord who has done it. So, I don't really worry about the stress and pressure of the office and the current woes because God is my protection and defence.
Mwonda was raised in Jinja, got a Diploma in Legal Practice and received her Master’s in Business Law in 2006. She started as a magistrate and progressed. “I have been everywhere, from the National Resistance Council in Jinja, to a commissioner for the Uganda Human Rights Commission,†she says. She became Uganda’s first female IGG in 2005.
How does your husband handle such a fearless woman?
He doesn’t look at me as a powerful wife, because he’s known me since we were very young. He doesn’t see anything strange. In fact, he gives me advice. He has no inferiority complex. I don’t know why other men fear powerful women. My husband appreciates my progress, and encourages me. He says he sees in me something that can help our nation grow. He calls it a sacrifice and encourages me on to save people without any reservation.
Sounds like a perfect man! Who is he?
He’s a teacher, he teaches Physics and Mathematics.
How did you meet?
Our families were neighbours. We grew up together from childhood. From villagemates, we met at the university and became friends.
And the family?
I have six children - we have a lawyer, an accountant, a human rights advocate, a teacher and the rest are students.
How do they handle the spotlight?
They have persevered. Without my family, I don’t know where I would be. They have been my best friends and my husband has even said he is not regretting anything.
How do you deal with sexism?
It’s tough, people think women can’t perform. They think they can intimidate and compromise us, until we have to prove the contrary. They think we can’t perform and they try to test us. Some send letters with a very aggressive tone, and when it is in writing, you can use the law to deal with intimidation. However, the legal fraternity is dominated by men, but we are soon catching up with our numbers, due to affirmative action.
You say you are a God’s messenger?
I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal saviour. My family was really Anglican and I was brought up in an Anglican setting. When my father died in detention in 1984, the spirit came upon me and I accepted Jesus. I have no regrets.
I brought my kids up in a spiritual way, with God's help and, actually, they are God's children; I am just the caregiver. As for my work as the IGG, it is the Lord who has done it. So, I don't really worry about the stress and pressure of the office and the current woes because God is my protection and defence.
Mwonda was raised in Jinja, got a Diploma in Legal Practice and received her Master’s in Business Law in 2006. She started as a magistrate and progressed. “I have been everywhere, from the National Resistance Council in Jinja, to a commissioner for the Uganda Human Rights Commission,†she says. She became Uganda’s first female IGG in 2005.