Since becoming a mother, I thought a lot about what kind of world I’d like my daughter to live in. My mother sacrificed her greater ambition for the family. I grew up with the common perception that women belong to the kitchen and are not worth investing in. Mediocre like me did not receive myriad opportunities. I found it a struggle to find my voice.
I was worried about returning to work after maternity leave. Most of my friends have taken a backseat to becoming a housewife or accepting less-challenging jobs after giving birth. I felt guilty for not doing the same and ashamed for having a professional ambition. My parents doubted if I could cope being a working mother in a foreign country. I was constantly paranoid about how much opportunity I’d lose after maternity leave. I was anxious about how fast I needed to accelerate after returning. The question is, why do I have to feel this way?
I thank women from all walks of life who have made a difference and contributed to gender equality awareness in the past decades. Yet, we are still not there. It could take another decade or more if we are only counting on powerful or privileged women to drive change. When can I confidently tell my daughter and other girls that they can be whatever they wanted to be? I count on perseverance to be at where I am today and am still persevering. I aspire to be the change agent and would like to inspire other women to be one too.
That’s why I will not underestimate the power of my voice to challenge the status quo, influence, and support others. I will not be afraid to speak up. Because only by speaking up, an opinion can be heard, considered, and has a fair chance to succeed. I want to lead by example in encouraging other women to think beyond and challenge perspectives instead of accepting what’s on the table.
Leveraging my work achievements and privileges, I want to influence stakeholders and support women in need. I may not be the greatest academic achiever, but I can equally succeed as a full-time working mother with the right attitude when given equal opportunity. Being fair, respectful, and honest are the leadership qualities that have led me this far. I hope all women have faith in their dreams and believe that the future lies in their hands, not others.
Happy International Women’s Day.
(a part of my recent story submission to compete for Chartered Manager of the Year)
