Nnenna Azuka-Onwuka migrated to Canada three years ago with her family from the sweltering heat of 32° in Lagos, Nigeria, to the freezing cold of -11° in Nova Scotia, Canada. She shares her insight on the changing dynamics in the family setup resulting from the migration process and encourages women to embrace the cultural and social shifts. She urges women to understand that roles may shift, to be more understanding and promote teamwork. Nnenna tells her full story here:
Coming into a new culture with no friends or social network was surreal. We had to make new social connections, help the children understand and adapt to their new school, and we had to adjust mentally and psychologically to our new environment. We also navigated the initial hurdles of getting a job, and I realized the work pace in the Canadian corporate space is quite different from what we were used to in Lagos, Nigeria. There is often a sense of urgency in the Nigerian corporate space to deliver efficiently and effectively, while in the Canadian workplace, people take a more measured approach to delivering their work. They space out their project deliverables in a comfortable manner that is well-suited to their comfort zone.
Adapting to this was quite frustrating at first. It took a while for me to understand and compare the workplace nuances of both cultures and adapt to my new culture here in Canada. This taught me patience, improved my relational skills, and taught me to accommodate the Canadian working style. I also realized I could get people to work faster using the right approach.
Looking back, I would have started my own business shortly after arriving in Canada because I realize now that Canada holds immense opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners.
To women of colour who are migrating to Canada, my advise is to take care of the home front because this is pivotal to the success of individual members of the family. So, women need to embrace the shift in culture, family setup, and both partners’ roles in growing the home. There is also a place for reaffirming the children. Sometimes, our kids are discriminated against at school, and racial slurs are used against them; while we should not tolerate this by any means, the home should be a safe haven for the children to air their grievances and unburden themselves. It should be a place where they are reaffirmed and surrounded with positive and wholesome words to build them up again and make them strong enough to face whatever challenges may lie on the outside. Women need to understand that in this new environment and culture, more than ever, we need to be more observant and reaffirming of ourselves, our spouses and children, providing them with the support and understanding they need.
As women, we should be bold and learn to knock on the doors of opportunity. In Canada, your voice is your strength, so learn to speak up and speak out. Actively seek out and nurture connections because most opportunities will come from your network. Also, learn to adapt and stand out. Invest in yourself and harness your unique selling proposition. Be confident, be poised and be assertive. Balance courage with patience because every step is important in your journey. This journey is not for the feeble-minded and the weak; we are women and a half, and it is important that we harness our potential.
Be original and authentic. Do you, be you and enjoy being you.
Nnenna tells her story from Nova Scotia, Canada.
