Women in FICS – Interview

FICS Women - Q and A

Interview with women in FICS

What do you think is the biggest issue for females in the workplace?

Cornel:

  • Jobs that require frequent travel are more open to men as they are considered more eligible
  • Many companies will hire female employees and ask them openly about their marriage and further family plans as they cannot afford the maternity leaves and other flexibility perks
  • This factor must not be a hindrance to their growth and progress as women are blessed with the opportunity to bring another soul into the world.

 

Thato & Monica:

  • Being undermined as women
  • Seen as in superior because we are women
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Women often feel dismissed or ignored
  • Women’s ability to often threatened by gender stereotypes
  • Power and bringing each other down

 

FICS Tshwane South – Monique:

  • Sometimes you can be judged on your looks rather than your knowledge, which makes it harder to prove your worth to the company.

 

FICS Govan Mbeki – Lene:

  • It is assumed that men do better work than women and therefore discrimination accrues.

 

Which female leaders do you admire and why?

Noma:

  • NKOSAZANA ZUMA
    • I have admired her, in particular, her resilience and yes, her acute silence over the years.
    • Before she became the president, former wife, she had held her own political corridors of South Africa becoming an active underground member of the ANC and Deputy President of South African Students Organisation in the 70s, the become Minister of Health during the first non-racial democratically.
    • She was also a quite soft spoken I person and much kinder and gentle than I have ever imagined she would be.

 

Ruchel:

  • MOTHERS
    • A hero is someone that inspires you to do your best and someone that you can look up to. But the definition of a hero is also pretty much the definition of a mom. Moms are mentors, support systems, influencers, strong, incredible, multitaskers, selfless and the list goes on. Mom never fails to force a smile on your face and inspire us to greatness. A mother’s love is rare and wonderful.

 

FICS Tshwane North & West – Anet:

  • MARGARET THATCHER
    • She believed that everyone should get a chance, no matter where you’re from.
    • Known as The Iron Lady worldwide

 

What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?

Lorraine:

  • Think positively, breathe deeply, live simply, give generously, laugh with pleasure, speak kindly, smile brightly and believe in possibilities.
  • Enjoy TODAY and make the best of each day under the circumstances. Challenges will always be part of life. Don’t take HOME to the office and don’t take OFFICE to your home. Take criticism as a positive and be passionate in what you do. Grow through what you go through. We just have one life, keep it simple.
  • I hope you always find a reason to smile and know you are amazing just the way you are.

Alta:

  • Focus on what you are good at
  • Recognize the value of your soft skills – being a strong communicator or good team leader
  • Put yourself forward – volunteer
  • You don’t need to be perfect
  • Plan, don’t take unnecessary risks
  • Be confident, not arrogant
  • Always remember that you are a role model to someone else that is looking up to you. They are watching you, so make it count

 

Mogomotsi:

  • You have to push for your own opportunities and not be afraid to ask for what you want or what you believe in. Find something you are passionate about. Look for ways to showcase your ambition. Speak up, share ideas and help shape what you want your future to be.
  • Stand for what you believe never allow people to undermine you and be courageous.
  • “Remember you only live once but if you do it right, once is enough.”

 

FICS Govan Mbeki – Wilma:

  • Integrity is key!
  • Do what you say you are going to do. Be reliable. Remember, you are judged by your behavior.

 

FICS Tshwane East – Amanda:

  • Optimize your natural talents and passion, and never be afraid to accept the challenge to higher heights.

 

Share your favorite female empowerment quote with us?

Tumi:

  • “Phenomenal woman, That’s me.” Maya Angelou

 

Monica:

  • “She is clothed in STRENGTH and DIGNITY, and she LAUGHS without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31

 

FICS Tshwane South – Lenie:

  • “Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” – Tori Amos