Enabling and Empowering Others on International Women's Day

One of the most inspiring and humbling aspects of my work is working alongside people that go above and beyond to enable and empower others.

Today, I had the pleasure of working with a group of women at Stonewater who are volunteering to support and buddy other women (and men) who are going through the parent transition.

We talked about how to have conversations that will give female returners a sense of control as they leave from and return to work for maternity leave. How to hold a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for women who are going through one of life’s biggest transitions.

Transitioning from being a working person to a working parent is, for many, a whole challenge to their sense of identity. Research shows that the more we support people through this time, the more likely they are to stay motivated and to stay in organisations.

There are plenty of brilliant initiatives offered by businesses such as the professional parent transition coaching My Family Care. And yet there is something very special about these women who have been through this life transition reaching back to others, to pull them up alongside, to stand with them shoulder to shoulder.

Having someone tell you things like… “I felt like you do now.” “Mother guilt is normal.” “Think longer term when making career decisions.” …is really helpful.

What many need when perhaps they haven’t slept and can’t concentrate or feel like they are doing a terrible job at work and at parenting, is someone to tell them “it’s normal. I felt that too, it will pass.”

These buddies become the beacon for those struggling. A light at the end of what can be a difficult tunnel to navigate.

Being enabled and empowered by those ahead of us in a transition is a life-affirming experience. I will never forget the wonderful support that I had from Linda Fairbrother, who swept into my world and carried me through a major transition of my own. I will forever be grateful for her support at a very difficult time and make sure I pay it forward to others that come behind me. 

So on this day, #InternationalWomensDay, have a think about your own life transitions. Can you reach back to others and stand alongside them as they navigate it for themselves?