On #GLM…Is it okay for a girl to be assertive?

Should a girl be assertive or timid? Which is more attractive and who made the law on that conviction?
I watched a TV show today and heard something interesting. In the 1940’s, a man would rather be bored with a timid wife than embarrassed by an assertive one who speaks her mind in public. So I guess it had long been entrenched into the fabrics of social behaviors and values that it now feels awkward for a girl to be assertive.
Little girls learning to code (Courtesy: Colorlines)
Young girls learning to code (Courtesy: Colorlines)
A little girl between ages 3 and 5 years is bold when she speaks to anyone and confidently asks for what she wants or refutes what she doesn’t. She is intelligent, curious, creative and enthusiastic! She isn’t afraid to try out any subject or sport, ask questions in class, participate in the debate team or run for president of the class!
As she grows older and becomes a teenager, she is cautioned about being too outspoken, baring her feelings or being forward and told to be more modest about her needs, desires and feelings. Her liberty to be expressive and assertive is completely trumped by the time she is a young woman and in her twenties so she breezes through life accepting whatever is tossed her way.
She becomes scared to chase her childhood dreams or aspire to reach the upper echelon of her career otherwise risk being labelled as ‘assertive and aggressive’. This is the case because an ambitious woman is often assumed ‘bossy’ and lacking in healthy family values. 
Siza Mzimela: CEO & Founder, Fly Blue Crane (Courtesy: Buzz South Africa)
According to an article by Hilda Barasa in Africa Advisory Group, only 2.5% of the top companies in Africa are headed by women…partly because they are not given a chance and mostly because an average woman lacks confidence which is required to be ambitious and attain heights of authority.
Without assertiveness, how then can we get to a position of authority, contribute to development or make a difference?
Is this your story? Or do you know someone that could have become so much more but for the ‘shout down’ from family or society? Please share your stories.
To read more on this topic, check this link out:
http://www.fastcompany.com/3041179/strong-female-lead/how-we-can-help-young-girls-stay-assertive

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