Better balance.
Learning from Faisza Mustapha Markar: Strategies for Women in the Workplace
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week’s guest is Faisza Mustapha Markar whose remarkable journey to becoming one of the few female President's Counsel at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka serves as an inspiring blueprint for women striving to balance their careers and personal lives.
Her experience exemplifies a strategic and resilient approach to achieving career goals despite significant challenges. More importantly, it underscores the necessity of creating supportive environments and advocating for systemic changes that enable more women to succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Defining Courage
Faisza talks about finding courage in the face of adversity. Courage is not just about bold actions but also about consistently making choices that align with your values and goals, even when it’s difficult. For Faisza, courage means standing up to gender biases, pushing for systemic changes, and balancing her roles at work and home with determination. Her story encourages women to find their own courage by believing in their abilities, seeking support, and not being afraid to advocate for what they need.
Strategic Resilience in Career Development
Faisza's path to the top was not a straightforward journey. She faced numerous obstacles, from societal expectations and personal responsibilities to professional discrimination and gender biases. Yet, she navigated these challenges with a strategic mindset and resilient spirit. For women in the workplace today, her journey offers valuable lessons on how to integrate career aspirations with personal life in a manner that is both healthy and sustainable.
Creating Supportive Environments
One of the key takeaways from Faisza's experience is the importance of a supportive work environment. In her career, she encountered a lack of flexibility and support, which prompted her to advocate for changes. This advocacy is crucial for all women who aspire to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. It involves pushing for policies that recognize and accommodate the unique challenges faced by women, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and structured consultation times.
Advocating for Systemic Change
Faisza’s success also highlights the importance of systemic change in the workplace. She championed for consistent maternity leave policies, equal opportunities, and inclusive decision-making processes within her chambers. These changes are not just beneficial for individual women but for the entire organization, fostering a more equitable and productive work environment.
Balancing Work and Home Life
Integrating home and work life remains one of the most significant challenges for women. Faisza’s story emphasises the need for a strategic approach to this integration. She managed her family responsibilities without compromising her career by employing strategies such as studying at night, staying fit and advocating for work flexibility. This balance is essential for maintaining mental and physical health, reducing stress, and ensuring long-term career success.
Dare to do things differently, for the greater good.
Ten Actionable Steps for Women in the Workplace
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in both your career and personal life. Clear goals will guide your decisions and actions.
Seek Flexibility: Advocate for flexible work arrangements that allow you to manage your professional and personal responsibilities effectively.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive colleagues, mentors, and family members who understand and support your goals.
Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you allocate time for self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, and relaxation to manage stress.
Develop Resilience: Build your ability to bounce back from setbacks by maintaining a positive mindset and learning from challenges.
Communicate Effectively: Be clear and assertive in communicating your needs and expectations at work and home.
Advocate for Change: Push for policies and practices that support work-life balance and gender equality in your workplace.
Stay Organized: Use tools and strategies to keep your tasks and commitments organized, reducing overwhelm and increasing productivity.
Lifelong Learning: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development to stay ahead in your career.
Mentor Others: Support and mentor other women in your field, fostering a supportive and empowering community.
Faisza Mustapha Markar's journey demonstrates the power of strategic resilience, systemic advocacy, and finding courage in achieving career success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
PS. As your Transformation Coach, I help you creatively crack the code to achieve emotional health, supporting you through your challenges, stress & fears and giving you the tools to create the life you want.
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