When is it time to quit?

Today was a historic day in Kenya. Our Justice and constitutional affairs minister resigned. This is a historical even as in the past minister only resign when there is enough pressure after corruption scandals. However this was a case where the justice Minister popularly known as ‘the iron lady’ decided to quit as a matter of principle. She had declared that her hands are tied and hence she cant do her job well. This sent ripples in the country and it was interesting to watch views and comments from different people and more so the citizens.

Two comments particularly touched me; one woman said that Martha
‘was like a man…..” implying that she was assertive and had her way etc. I just wondered how this woman viewed herself as a woman, she cold not identify with this woman who is strong contrary to the popular beliefs and she represents a million other women who needs to be helped realise they can be great, without turning into men!!

On the other hand I was also struck by a woman who commented that the minister should not have quit but waited. She went on to add that she believes that the Minister had valid reasons but…..

It got me thinking, this is the same with women in abusive relationships and other arrangements where many women belief that they have to wait until they cant take it anymore, and knowing the strength of a woman, she can take it all. Many end up in the grave!!

When is it time to quit? Difficult question, but I believe that when you inner self tells you it is over, then it is time to quit. You don’t have to wait until you can no longer quit, because it is too late. Quitting is often seen as an option for losers, but I know that it is easier to stay in a situation that one is familiar with rather than take the great courage to quit into the unknown.

I share a quote I came across recently:
When I am asked why a woman doesn’t leave abuser I say: Women stay because the fear of leaving is greater than the fear of staying. They will leave when the fear of staying is greater than the fear of leaving.
Rebecca J. Burns