This month we pay tribute to the pioneers of the women’s movement and celebrate Women’s Month under the theme ‘Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future.’ The concept of generation equality is a global campaign and links South Africa to global efforts to achieve gender equality by 2030.
We also celebrate and pay tribute to many of our modern-day women who are quietly reshaping and influencing our society. One woman who is no stranger to hard work and overcoming obstacles is Lindiwe Miyambu, African Bank, Group Executive: Human Capital.
Miyambu, the first-born daughter of four children, grew up in the dusty streets of Soweto Emndeni and her parents moved to Swaziland to establish the AFM Church while she was still a teenager. She was awarded a scholarship by the UNDP to study at the National University of Lesotho, and in her early twenties she moved back to South Africa.
Miyambu, who is now married with three boys, understands hard times are inevitable. However, her grandmother also inculcated an acknowledgement that any challenge could be overcome with hard work. ‘I still believe that there is no substitute for working hard, but I also think that there is a lot of truth in the saying ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ That is where our strength as women leaders lie, in inclusivity.
This manifests in her passion for people. Indeed, she says that people – from her family to her children and her colleagues – are her greatest source of inspiration. ‘I’ve found that these people create a support structure that really helps to keep you on track when you face a challenge – especially since women encounter countless obstacles as they try to raise children, support extended family, while succeeding in the corporate world.’ At times like this, she says that it also helps to remember who you are and what you stand for. Staying true to that person and reminding yourself that you do not have to use your energy to respond to every external trigger.
For other women striving to make their mark in the often-unforgiving corporate world her advice is simple – Love yourself. ‘This makes you a better partner, mother, friend and colleague. There is nothing wrong with investing time and care in yourself, no matter what society tells you. At the same time, invest in your relationships. One of the greatest lessons I have learnt through my career is that such time is invaluable; the investment pays back many times over.’
She is also intensely aware of the current almost ‘mental health pandemic’ sweeping through our country. ‘I was socialised to expect that hard times will come. My family, God and my close friends help me up when I’m feeling tired and overwhelmed, but also laughter helps greatly. I love to laugh and the simplest of things can keep me in stitches. The knowledge that ‘every season passes’ and the acknowledgement that sometimes, ‘I need to take it one day at a time’ can get me through the worst times.
Miyambu says there is no doubt that her way of managing hardship has evolved over the years. ‘Maturity comes with going through countless experiences which mould you. We have to constantly learn new techniques for everything we do and really embrace a lifetime of learning. An important part of learning also involves unlearning and relearning.
Her greatest sources of inspiration still however comes from the everyday amazing people around her. ‘My family, my children and most importantly the ‘war stories’ of my colleagues and many South Africans that I see and experience every day.’ This month she has been greatly encouraged and re-energised by the Banyana Banyana victory. She asks what other story of resilience and overcoming all obstacles and nay sayers do we need to see as women? That victory is a victory for all women of SA. I am super proud of them.
She concludes by saying women need to fix their own crowns; to hold up other women as they grow; to take care of their wellbeing, and draw on their strengths of nurturing and caring for people to build long lasting relationships and networks. This investment will pay back in multitudes over time. She encourages all women to lead from the heart, that’s Audacious and Authentic.
Visit the African Bank website or like them on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn
