In celebration of Women’s Day, one must applaud and thank all the women that paved the way for so many of us women entering the workplace today.
Women’s Day provides a great opportunity for us to remain in conversation about the role women play, not only in the workplace but in society and in our homes. There is no doubt that women fulfil a fundamental role wherever they are found to exist.
It remains a sad reality though, that obstacles still exist preventing many women from achieving the freedoms fought for by activists in the past. This article is not intended to zoom in on those obstacles which find their own platform for highlights but is intended to foster female empowerment, which is adversely affected by such obstacles
Celebrating the successes of other women is a means of acknowledging that the way historically paved for the empowerment of women, remains open. It provides a platform of encouragement and a stage for a never-ending acknowledgement of achievements by women. Not only should we celebrate their successes but inspire them in their difficult journeys. Building a strong support team around you during your own journey to success is an inspirational concept to embrace and being part of that support structure for other women is nothing less than phenomenal.
I believe that the following suggestions are important to provide a boost to women seeking empowerment.
1. FIND A MENTOR
A mentor does not necessarily have to be someone available on demand. Finding suitable women or celebrities who inspire you can be equally rewarding if you study them and learn from their good habits, teachings and their personal successes. If you can afford a dedicated life coach, it is an option that can provoke your thinking and actions in the required direction, thereby assisting to improve the pace of working towards your goals and achievements.
2. SET LONG AND SHORT TERM GOALS
Setting goals helps you to have a plan of action. It assists in keeping you focussed on what you wish to achieve and provides a holistic guideline to decide what your plan of action should be.
3. DETERMINE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT VALUES
Your values define you as a person. Although many may say that your values emanate from your behaviour, how you behave is directly related to the values you hold. Taking time to reflect on the values hold or wish to hold, should prevent you from experiencing intense conflict when called upon to take decisions.
4. IDENTIFY WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO YOU
Knowing what you wish to achieve will keep you focussed and not allow you to be distracted by the actions of others, towards their own wants and goals. It will keep you goal-directed and help you enjoy your own journey to success.
5. MAINTAIN A WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Work-life balance has been touted as important for a long time now. Paying mere lip service to it and not acting to achieve this balance is detrimental to any person’s holistic well-being. Not having this balance can result in stress, depression, lack of sleep and rest, neglecting important duties and not having time to simply enjoy life and your loved ones.
Remember, that what you wish to achieve is unique to you. You may have to make sacrifices and compromise at times, but you must hold ultimate control of your time.
6. ENJOY THE RIDE
It’s the only one you will have.
Women's empowerment in education, in the workplace and in society ensures that women gain the freedom from economic dependency they held in the past. Financial independence allows for independence of thought, and action and above all, it allows for choice.
Let us support, encourage, empower and lift up other women as a contribution to paving a smoother path for those that follow. Let us lead by example.
Written by: Adv Nerisha Naidoo -EOHO Champion
Much love
Melissa and Charmaine
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