The journey of women in the IT industry, especially mothers, is filled with both challenges and triumphs. As we look towards a future where more mothers lead in these fields, it’s essential to celebrate their experiences and their successes, especially on a day like Mother’s Day.
To start, motherhood is no easy feat. I congratulate everyone who has found the right balance between their personal and professional lives. As a mother myself, I am grateful to have a career that allows me to pursue my professional goals while also being present for my family. In years gone by, many believed you’d have to sacrifice one or the other, but that is no longer the case. It is now possible to achieve mutual success in work and family life, and it is wonderful to see more women being able to achieve this throughout their careers.
Challenging Stereotypes is Important
Several studies have shown that women in leadership contribute significantly to organisational growth and stability, resulting in excellent business outcomes. Having said that, if I were to think back on earlier stages of my career journey, one of the most significant challenges I faced was unconscious bias. There were moments when expressing a different opinion or showing empathy led to comments about being “emotional” or too “soft”.
During moments like this, it’s essential to challenge stereotypes and recognise the logical and strategic capabilities women bring to leadership roles. In my role at Westcon-Comstor, I feel blessed that am able to add value and create an impact in the business and in people’s lives within the technology industry. My successes and milestones here reinforce my belief that emotional intelligence and empathy are great strengths to have, and this has been cultivated and nurtured through the open and supportive culture at Westcon-Comstor, which I’m grateful for.
Recognising Your Successes
One of my proudest moments as a mother and professional is homeschooling our children, which we have been doing for 3 years now, together with my husband. This involves teaching the kids as per the set curriculum, preparing them for exams, and supporting their extracurricular activities. Homeschooling has been a transformational journey for our children, and it allows us to closely mold and shape them ourselves and inculcate the right values. Despite the demands of homeschooling, I have managed to successfully contribute to my role and the business, and my career achievements remind me that all things are possible, when we believe.
For mothers aspiring to become professionals or entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to know your purpose and passion. Set clear goals, prioritise what’s important, and choose a career that aligns with your values. If you have young children, seek additional support so that you can focus on your growth and development. Remember, you don’t have to do it all on your own. I have found that building a support network of family, friends, and colleagues has been instrumental in balancing my roles effectively. The saying “it takes a village” really resonates here.
I’m grateful that my workplace supports my goals by providing learning opportunities through programmes like leadership development, mentoring, and coaching from other senior leaders. These initiatives have equipped me with the tools and confidence to lead effectively and have been instrumental for career advancement.
My Message to Aspiring Women in the Industry
To young women and mothers who are in the thick of their careers — bring your passion, excellence, and integrity to work. Don’t be afraid to take risks, challenge yourself and embrace projects that will stretch you. Stepping out of your comfort zone will put you on the right trajectory for your career.
About the Contributor
Virginia Manyara is a Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)-certified Human Resources professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the field. Born in Kenya, she has been living in the UAE for around two decades. She is married with three children and currently heads up the HR function of Westcon-Comstor for the Middle East region. Her role involves partnering with business leaders to create value for the organisation through its talent, while ensuring that its people across the region have a positive employee experience.
During her career Virginia has worked for a range of businesses, from local firms through to multinational corporates, in various industries including banking, manufacturing, FMCG, insurance and technology. She is passionate about coaching, counselling and bringing out the best in people.
This contribution is for the Mother’s Day Initiative #builtbymothers.
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