REC.1 Overcoming challenges faced by women- striking a balance, work family and health Women in public sector seminar 1-2 march 2018 Presented by: mmc finance Nkangala district municipality Cllr gt mthimunye

REC.1 Outline Introduction Challenges Overcoming challenges

introduction Women often have unique obstacles and challenges to overcome as employees, women leaders, women pastors, entrepreneurs, parents, aunts, grandmothers, wives and sisters because of the manner we are socialized by society, whilst The male peers are less likely to encounter similar issues. Working women experience even more demands on their time, energy and resource which impacts on their health as well.. However, women possess attributes and character traits that show they are very resourceful and are able to succeed, despite the odds. For instance, their natural ability to multitask, juggling around a number of tasks, activities, responsibilities and duties, make them more efficient and effective practically everywhere including the work place.

challenges GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND STEREOTYPING The Promotion Of Equality And Prevention Of Unfair Discrimination Act Of 2000, Is A Comprehensive South African Anti-discrimination Law, That Prohibits Unfair Discrimination Either By Government And By Private Organizations And Individuals , It Forbids Hate Speech And Harassment The following are some of the discriminations experienced by women Pay disparities Denial to certain position Traditional stereotyping Harassment and intimidation Unfair justice

challenges 2. DUAL CAREER pressure Working Woman Vs Entrepreneurs Working Woman Vs Religious Leader, Counsellor 3. FAMILY PRESSURE Working Woman Vs Parent Working Woman Vs Wife Working Woman Vs Maternal

challenges 4. Societal pressure Working Woman Vs Traditional Beliefs Working Woman Vs Religious Beliefs Woman Leader Vs Society Beliefs

challenges 5. Patriarchy Feel Me Syndrome Pull Her Down Syndrome Self Doubts Anger, Desperation And Despair Arrogance the list is not exhaustive, but we believe that these are the key challenges

overcoming # audit your life Audit Your Strength And Weaknesses Audit Your Priorities Audit Yourself To Your Believe System Audit Your Relationships And Commitments Audit Your Own Motivations

overcoming # take responsibility for managing your own life Cultivate Attitude To Be Your Own Leader Own Your Mistakes and success Self Discipline/Self Criticize Manage Time Manage Energy Drainers Build Strong Values Always Consider Yourself To Be The Only Best( Self Motivate)

overcoming # build support structures Raise helpers/ mentor others Get a mentor Consult and seek advice from others Continuous collective learning Networking Respect seniors, peers and juniors Appreciate and commend good work

overcoming Take a break/rest Know when to say no # live a balanced life – replenish what has been depleted Take a break/rest Know when to say no Take emotional and mental rest- stop thinking and caring too much Do physical exercises Live a healthy life style

conclusion ‘As women we must stand up for ourselves, we must stand up for each other, we must stand up for justice for all’ – Michelle Obama ‘Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country” Margaret Thatcher Take criticism seriously but not personally” Hillary Clinton. ‘Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” Maya Angelou