Guided by culture, education, and confidence: a personal reflection
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women while also reflecting on the challenges that continue to shape their journeys. To mark the occasion, we invited recipients of the Women Ambassadorship Scholarship to share insights into their personal stories, reflecting on their perspectives, the barriers they may have encountered while pursuing education and careers, and, most importantly, how they challenge gender inequality in their own authentic ways.
In this blog, Global Online MBA student Siposetu Jilata shares her perspectives.
Growing up with cultural guidance and clear expectations
While growing up, I would not say I have experienced societal or cultural challenges. My father is a full-on traditional Xhosa man who always made sure that he taught us, his children, about our Xhosa culture, origins and background. These teachings involved in-depth discussions about the expectations and roles of women in our society and culture, especially how one should conduct themselves in society.
These teachings were also combined with instilling a strong sense of religion in the family, as both he and my mother are Apostles in our family church. Because of these teachings, at no point in time did I ever feel uncertain about the direction I needed to take with my life.
Opportunities in education
I did not face any barriers in my education. I feel fortunate to have been born in an era where women were allowed to go to school, and not just schooling to tick a box, but education that allowed the freedom of pursuing any qualification you desired, even in sectors that were previously male-dominated.
Facing bias with determination
There have been a few cases where I have been judged, ridiculed and critiqued because of my age and gender alone. However, this did not deter me or weaken my visions and aspirations. After all, there is no success story without obstacles.
Advocating for women and the power of education
I am very bold in my speech and very confident in rooms full of people. When given an opportunity to interact with people of all genders, ages and races, I give it my all. I over-prepare so that I can deliver an outstanding presentation filled with the knowledge I have acquired over the years.
But most importantly I am a firm believer in advocating for women's rights, in particular for young women in business. For generations, women did not have the same rights as men. Yet, more than thirty years into our South Africa’s democracy, it is often women who are holding the holding the fort in many places.
I would like to end with the words of the great Hon. Nelson Mandela, our previous president: "Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world." May his soul continue to rest in peace.
