Simone de Freitas | Group Accountant | CRS Technologies | mail me |
In the high-stakes world of business, where boardrooms are often dominated by men, navigating a career can be daunting for women. With the right support systems, women can thrive and excel in any professional environment.
Raised by a father who never limited his daughters based on their gender, I learned from a young age to tackle obstacles head-on, believing that output and merit should dictate success, not gender. My upbringing instilled in me a sense of resilience and confidence, allowing me to overcome challenges without attributing them to my gender.
Excelling in careers while fulfilling their roles as mothers
I firmly believe that you should be treated and paid for the output you give to the world. This mindset, combined with a supportive work environment, has been instrumental in shaping my career. For this financial officer, balance between work and family life is both a professional and personal endeavour.
Acceptance and understanding from employers can go a long way in making it possible for women to excel in their careers while fulfilling their roles as mothers. I am fortunate to work with understanding managers and male colleagues who value gender equality and give me the flexibility I need to structure my work around my children’s needs. This level of trust motivates me to always deliver my best.
Achieving balance is not solely the employer’s responsibility, however. Women also need to work within themselves to manage their dual roles. Personal resilience and proactive self-management are essential for successfully balancing a career and family life.
Despite having a demanding job, my children remain my top priority. I often work late into the night to balance professional and personal responsibilities.
Motherhood has taught me how resilient I am and how much I can actually accomplish, but without the strong support I receive from my partner, I would not be able to achieve my personal and professional dreams, and it takes a shared effort from both of us to achieve a harmonious balance.
Improving maternity leave support
Corporate South Africa could significantly improve support for women regarding maternity leave. More companies should offer paid maternity leave.
Relying on state funds to maintain their income leaves women financially vulnerable, which is especially harsh in the current economic climate where every cent of your income matters.
Improving parental leave policies to provide full paid leave would empower women, allowing them to focus on their family without financial stress. This change would demonstrate respect and understanding for the unique challenges faced by working mothers.
Easing the back-to-work transition
Returning to work after a career break poses another significant challenge for women. The fear of losing one’s career momentum after several months is real, making the transition back to work extremely overwhelming.
Organisations need to foster a culture of compassion to support women during this transition. Recognising the value women bring and respecting their dual roles as mothers and professionals can ease their return to the workplace and ensure they feel valued and supported.
Ultimately, I believe that creating a healthy organisational culture based on mutual respect is key to supporting women. Respect for women must be ingrained in the organisational ethos, ensuring that all employees, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement. When organisations foster such a culture, women can thrive, achieving both their professional and personal aspirations.
Men play a crucial role in this process and are the best drivers of this mindset. Strong, confident men who support women’s growth can significantly impact the workplace culture, making it more inclusive and respectful.
In conclusion
My advice to women looking to advance their careers is straightforward: work hard. Don’t let trivial things stop you from achieving your goals, and never believe you’re lesser than anybody else because of your gender.
I emphasise the strength and capability inherent in all women, and I urge women to pursue their goals with confidence and determination. With the right support, mutual respect and an inclusive culture, women can confidently navigate and excel in the workplace, achieving their fullest potential.
Related FAQs: Women workplace empowerment
Q: How can organisations empower women in the workplace?
A: Organisations can empower women in the workplace by implementing policies that promote gender equality, providing equal opportunities for career advancement and actively working to eliminate bias and discrimination in the workplace.
Q: What initiatives can help promote women in leadership roles?
A: Initiatives such as mentorship programs, leadership training specifically for women and creating networks that support female employees can help promote women in leadership roles and diversify leadership by promoting women.
Q: Why is a fair parental leave policy important for women in the workforce?
A: A fair parental leave policy is crucial as it allows women to take necessary time off to care for their families without jeopardising their career advancement opportunities, thereby contributing to a healthier work-life balance.
Q: How can employers address unconscious bias against women?
A: Employers can address unconscious bias by providing training that raises awareness about bias, implementing structured evaluation processes for promotions and ensuring transparency in pay to tackle the pay gap and disparity faced by women.
Q: What are some challenges that women face in the workplace?
A: Women face several challenges in the workplace, including gender bias, discrimination, unequal pay compared to male counterparts and fewer opportunities for career advancement, especially in leadership roles.
Q: How can we encourage women to take on more leadership roles?
A: Encouraging women to take on leadership roles involves recognising their contributions, providing mentorship opportunities and fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and empowers women to take initiative.
Q: What impact does the percentage of women in the workforce have on an organisation?
A: A higher percentage of women in the workforce can lead to improved performance and innovation within an organisation, as diverse teams are more likely to generate a variety of ideas and solutions, ultimately promoting success and growth.
Q: How does empowering women in the workplace benefit everyone?
A: Empowering women in the workplace benefits everyone by creating a more balanced and equitable environment that enhances collaboration, drives productivity, and leads to better decision-making, which positively impacts the overall organisational culture.
Q: What role do male counterparts play in promoting gender equality in the workplace?
A: Male counterparts play a crucial role in promoting gender equality by advocating for equal opportunities, supporting their female colleagues and challenging discriminatory practices, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Q: How can we measure the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at empowering women in the workplace?
A: The effectiveness of initiatives can be measured through metrics such as the percentage of women in leadership roles, employee satisfaction surveys, retention rates of female employees and monitoring pay equity to ensure women are compensated fairly for equal work.
