With more women entering the work force each year, especially in a depressed economy, the outlook that society has on women is changing dramatically.
The age-old tradition where “women are expected to stay at home to do the housework and care for the children while their husbands go to work” no longer applies.
From simply working outside the home to running for the presidency, women have proved that they’re able to break down the gender roles that were taken for granted in the past. We are no longer amazed to see women heading large corporations or even walking in space. Very few, if any “men only” jobs exist today; women can be seen on construction sites sporting pink helmets or attending trade schools training as motorcar mechanics.
As many have witnessed recently, when the man of the house suddenly loses his job, instead of the family spiralling into hopelessness, a working mother is able to keep the family financially afloat.
Divorce is also becoming more and more prevalent, and women should take advantage of the many opportunities that they have to carve out a career for themselves when they can no longer be completely dependent on the men in their lives.
As women realise their value, they are unlocking their personal potential. This is important, because approximately 40% of South Africa’s population live below the poverty line and women are often the sole bread winners.
Women in South Africa have proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with, but there remains much to be done. For example, women are still being made sexual objects in today’s culture, and they are still unlikely to receive the same pay as men while doing the same amount of work. Women need to wake up in the morning, with the 3 P’s: a passion, a purpose and a plan to make their voice heard!