I would always tell my friends and anyone who cared to listen that my mom was a good leader. I didn’t fully understand what that meant at the time, only that leading at home was not as easy as it sounded. Successfully raising children who weren’t hers, as well as her own, was no easy feat, but she did it tirelessly and courageously on her own, even while married.
On some days, during our heart-to-heart talks, my mom would often say, “Hawa, you will miss me when I’m no longer around.” And, jokingly, I would respond, “I won’t.”
Now, the reality is I do miss her. Until now, I never truly realized how much strength it takes to lead at home. I’ve given myself countless silent pats on the back for braving through uncertainties, tapping into unknown strength, and learning what it feels like to be the one holding everything together.
Leading at home is real.
It has been exhausting leading single-handedly, with absolutely no days off. It’s an emotional roller coaster, especially on days when all I long for is a helping hand from someone who truly cares. As a single mother, even on my most daunting days, I try not to slip. Unlike those with support systems, I juggle household responsibilities and my professional journey without pause.
Some mornings, I look in the mirror and ask myself:
- Are you sure you can handle all of this at home and still achieve your goals?
- Can you be tough enough to carry on, or should you just take a day for yourself?
One day, during a bonding moment, my son said to me, “Mommy, can we just leave the house and go for a weekend in a nice hotel and enjoy? I feel like I’m suffocating here.” His words brought tears to my eyes. They were a wake-up call—a reminder to check in with myself about what leadership means.
Is leadership about losing yourself entirely and pushing through simply because people depend on you, whether at home or outside?
That day reminded me of the importance of taking breaks, especially when the signs are there, whispering (or sometimes shouting) that we need to pause. Leading isn’t easier at home just because we’re guiding familiar faces. Leading from an empty emotional space can hurt those around us, especially those we love most.
Leading at Home is Real and It Deserves Recognition.
Here’s to everyone leading from home, breaking barriers, and holding it all together despite the challenges and hurdles. Your work matters. Your leadership matters. And you deserve to be seen.
About the Author: Hawa Jembell is a Liberian feminist and advocate for gender equality, women’s rights, and peace. She holds a Master’s in Development Management and Governance from the University of the Philippines—where she became the first African woman to win the prestigious Leadership Award, as well as advanced degrees in Accounting and Finance.
With a career spanning finance, project management, and women-centered initiatives, she has led programs in leadership, advocacy, and fundraising. She currently serves as Program Officer at the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa (GPFA) and previously held leadership roles at the Organization for Women and Children (ORWOCH), where she championed women’s political participation and pushed for 30% gender representation in Liberia. Her work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive governance, social justice, and empowering women and youth.
