It is another conventional bustling day in the up-and-coming Central Business District, and I am in one of the parking lot spaces sitting uncomfortably on a stool, devouring my P17 lunch meal. The long-hastened queues have subsided, and my preferred lady cooks are unwinding from the rush hour madness and clearing their serving dishes. As usual, I am minding my own business, obviously time conscious (I am naturally a slow eater), yet very attentive to the different conversations that are taking place. (Side note: Did you know that according to Juliet Boghossian, a behavioral food expert, slow eaters are usually people who like to be in control and know how to appreciate life?). This is my favourite part of the day as I get to take a break from all the office jargon to completely absorb myself in the different life perspectives of the ‘average’ person..The topic of the day centres around “A Woman’s True Identity”, instantly catching the attention of three nearby security guards and a car wash employee. The conversation is delightfully luminous, with everyone chipping in, sharing inspirational and embarrassing accounts of what they deem makes an ideal Motswana woman’s character. It starts off with physical features before throwing in a few characteristics. The exchange obviously sparks a heated debate, causing laughter and raised eyebrows. Even though 3 people believed that women still experienced social, political and financial inequality to-date, shockingly 2 others sternly held that women will always be inferior to men and should rather stay at home like our predecessors. They expressed that men are more capable in the workplace and at school compared to women and should never be outshined. Following the afternoon’s playful banter, the question that lingers in my mind is, “why are we as women ok with settling for less and attributing it to ‘botho’.” (*Botho - a highly regarded Setswana value that depicts harmony and respect amongst people or having a deep sense of another person’s humanity*). In this case, excessively humbling yourself and placing other people’s needs before your own. We as women tend to bend our backs all in the name of being naive and submissive, forgetting that we too deserve a break, warrant love and are actually the powerhouses we think we are..I immediately have flashbacks of 2019, when I had the privilege of attending the “I Am Tomorrow“ event which was aimed at empowering, collaborating, celebrating and inspiring women in different walks of life. Of the various speakers, my favourite happened to be Ms. Lulu Rasebotsa (CEO of Liberty Life) who criticised us as women for always downplaying our capabilities and opting to conform instead of standing out. This made me reflect on how each time I was complimented for something, I would never own it, and instead deflect it and let my insecurities define who I was. This made me realise that I was always shy in raising my hand confidently at any chance and then beat myself up when someone else would say the exact thing I was thinking. From this moment, I knew that it was high time I get over my timid character and become intentional and vocal about what I wanted in life. I appreciate such real life, stimulating conversations, as that at my lunch spot, which ignite my passion to excel in every aspect of my life as a woman - breaking all glass ceilings, expectations and beliefs. With that being said, who are the realists in your circle and how often do you engage?
It is another conventional bustling day in the up-and-coming Central Business District, and I am in one of the parking lot spaces sitting uncomfortably on a stool, devouring my P17 lunch meal. The long-hastened queues have subsided, and my preferred lady cooks are unwinding from the rush hour madness and clearing their serving dishes. As usual, I am minding my own business, obviously time conscious (I am naturally a slow eater), yet very attentive to the different conversations that are taking place. (Side note: Did you know that according to Juliet Boghossian, a behavioral food expert, slow eaters are usually people who like to be in control and know how to appreciate life?). This is my favourite part of the day as I get to take a break from all the office jargon to completely absorb myself in the different life perspectives of the ‘average’ person..The topic of the day centres around “A Woman’s True Identity”, instantly catching the attention of three nearby security guards and a car wash employee. The conversation is delightfully luminous, with everyone chipping in, sharing inspirational and embarrassing accounts of what they deem makes an ideal Motswana woman’s character. It starts off with physical features before throwing in a few characteristics. The exchange obviously sparks a heated debate, causing laughter and raised eyebrows. Even though 3 people believed that women still experienced social, political and financial inequality to-date, shockingly 2 others sternly held that women will always be inferior to men and should rather stay at home like our predecessors. They expressed that men are more capable in the workplace and at school compared to women and should never be outshined. Following the afternoon’s playful banter, the question that lingers in my mind is, “why are we as women ok with settling for less and attributing it to ‘botho’.” (*Botho - a highly regarded Setswana value that depicts harmony and respect amongst people or having a deep sense of another person’s humanity*). In this case, excessively humbling yourself and placing other people’s needs before your own. We as women tend to bend our backs all in the name of being naive and submissive, forgetting that we too deserve a break, warrant love and are actually the powerhouses we think we are..I immediately have flashbacks of 2019, when I had the privilege of attending the “I Am Tomorrow“ event which was aimed at empowering, collaborating, celebrating and inspiring women in different walks of life. Of the various speakers, my favourite happened to be Ms. Lulu Rasebotsa (CEO of Liberty Life) who criticised us as women for always downplaying our capabilities and opting to conform instead of standing out. This made me reflect on how each time I was complimented for something, I would never own it, and instead deflect it and let my insecurities define who I was. This made me realise that I was always shy in raising my hand confidently at any chance and then beat myself up when someone else would say the exact thing I was thinking. From this moment, I knew that it was high time I get over my timid character and become intentional and vocal about what I wanted in life. I appreciate such real life, stimulating conversations, as that at my lunch spot, which ignite my passion to excel in every aspect of my life as a woman - breaking all glass ceilings, expectations and beliefs. With that being said, who are the realists in your circle and how often do you engage?
