Women in Leadership:
Challenges or Opportunities, our choice!
When I stepped into my first teaching post as a young, qualified educator in the early 90s, I did so with cautious optimism. I was accutely aware of the fact that very little newly appointed teachers have the privilege to be appointed directly into a post due to the process of rationalization in education. To put it simply, thousands of educator posts at what was viewed the more privileged schools, were abolished in order to ensure equality across all education departments. Most new posts were filled in a temporary capacity and it cost hard work to stand out above thousands of other competitors. The fact that men were deemed the breadwinners of their households caused many women to be disregarded during recruitment processes.
In my experience over the past close to thirty years in education, in different roles and at times seriously disillusioning, was the unfair prejudice of men for especially promotion posts. Women had to prove themselves 300% more before being considered for promotion, despite qualifications, successes in the classroom and contribution over the entire spectrum of school activities. Notwithstanding many challenges, my enthusiasm to live my purpose in education was not tarnished. With every unsuccessful application, I worked harder, ensured that I attended as many courses possible to not only expand and improve my subject knowledge, but also to sharpen my soft skills continuously. I also viewed post-graduate studies key in improving my marketability and to elevate me above fellow applicants.
At the age of twenty eight I was appointed Deputy Principal at a secondary school after being frequently overlooked for promotion posts. This however did not mean an end to the extra hours and sacrifices, in fact, the pressure was unbearable at times.
Sometimes it's incredible to believe that I endured this for more than thirteen years even after acting intermittently as Principal for more than three years, but overlooked yet again when the permanent appointment was made. The prejudiced panel naturally found me too light and thought a bigger, heavier man is more suitable for the job. In 2005 I finally came to the decision to move on because I've reached my ceiling in the school environment and for my own sanity I needed to try something new.
Strangely, I was found capable enough as Circuit Manager of twenty six schools in our local district a mere three years after. Yet, even after this, there were those who questioned my appointment, including female colleagues, but what they were unaware of is that they drove me to aim higher. Unknowingly they actually became my greatest cheer leaders and I deemed it my duty to use every possible oppotunity to inspire
women to strive for their unique purpose despite many attacks.
I've experienced that the workplace can turn into a very toxic environment, very quickly, if you as strong, competent woman arrive on the scene. Often it is exactly those appointments made due to prejudice, that feel threatened and resort to intimidation, victimization and straightforward "bullying". Sometimes things get so bad it turns into character assasination, false complaints, unfair disciplinary action, which may lead to unfair dismissal. I've experienced all of these and lately I talk about this without holding back anything. In this way I motivate many other women to share their stories fearlessly. Unfortunately this particular aspect is the reason why many women rather still prefer the classroom above the office or the position at the head of the boardroom table. My advice to those prepared for the many challenges, if you are convinced that it is your calling and you are determined to live your purpose, do not allow anything to prevent you.
Now, allow me to speak to my sisters in leadership. Your position provides infinite opportunities for the development of our youth and women specifically. Your legacy lies in the upliftment of many more in your immediate and extended sphere of influence. If you should walk into a position with the attitude that you are important and may abuse your power solely to your own benefit and that you can walk over others, belittle or break them, you will expose yourself very quickly as a disappointment for the struggle for the empowerment of women. People remember how we make them feel, let us use these opportunities to improve the capacity of our communities and to develop women. I believe that the development of women contributes positively to the upliftment of comminities. Our current social-welfare issues can only be reduced if we attend to this important aspect of the empowerment of women. I've experienced that trust, confidence, determination, assertiveness, courage and resilience are cultivated through empowerment.
In conclusion...a woman that knows her worth is a force to be reckoned with, she is capable of anything she puts her mind to.
