Redefining slay queen concept - Perfectual's
In the Ghanaian context, the term “slay queen” typically refers to women who use their physical appearance to charm men into granting them favours.
Some define it as a female whose primary aspiration is to go through life looking attractive and having fun.
Many women find this label offensive and degrading.
However, a communications professional, social entrepreneur and gender advocate, Perfectual Linnan Labik, believes that one can be a slay queen and also a successful boss in her field.
In an interview with The Mirror last Friday, Miss Labik said she enjoyed looking good and is often described as a “slay queen.”
She said that people were often surprised and confused when they saw her as the organiser of conferences and a leader in her industry.
Having initiated the Northern Education Support Initiative between 2012 and 2017 right after high school, she noted that many who encountered her were surprised when they compared her appearance with her accomplishments.
“For me, it's always the expression of shock and confusion on their faces because I love to dress well and look fabulous. I enjoy life and many people see me as a slay queen, as the term is used in Ghana,” she said.
Miss Labik explained that those who initially looked down on her believed she was a woman without ambition.
However, they were taken aback upon realising that she is a graduate with multiple degrees and is actively promoting social projects while working with an international organisation, U.S Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Many people are quick to judge based on appearance, but I believe an industrious woman can also look good.
A woman can be versatile in her looks and still excel in her field.
My life is a testament to the idea that women shouldn't feel constrained.
Women must be assertive because you can achieve anything while looking great,” Miss Labik told The Mirror.
Reflecting on her journey as a social entrepreneur and communications professional, she noted that her experiences helped her transition into the corporate world.
In 2018, after earning her first master’s degree from the University of Media and Communication (UniMac), she applied for an internship on a development project implemented by the University of Rhode Island, USA. Despite lacking job experience, she secured the position.
“During the interview, when I was asked about my job experience, I shared details about the projects I had undertaken through the Northern Education Support Initiative. I received the job offer and worked there from 2019 to 2021,” she explained.
Through the Northern Education Support Initiative, Miss Labik conducted education seminars, spelling competitions, career guidance and mentorship programmes and addressed topics related to adolescent reproduction in the Northern Region.
“Looking back, I realised how significant it was because I was very young. Just imagine the Ghana Education Service (GES) entrusting students to my care, transporting them to various locations in the region and ensuring they received meals. I managed this for five years before I was selected for the internship,” she said.
“Two months later, I was informed that I would be taking on the role of communications lead, marking the beginning of my career in communications.”
Miss Labik noted that many of her supervisors commented that her contributions far exceeded those
