Plain Talk - A Special Edition- For Women Only

This special podcast honours the remarkable stories of women and sheds light on the trials women face daily.  It encourages us as women to embrace our journey, reach out to others for help where needed and support each other at every stage.  

Where men only deal with puberty.. we deal with a myriad of challenges, some life and death.

It reminds us that we all experience these challenges and it is only by reaching out for assistance can we overcome them.

Voice: Debra Abbott Sampson

Music: JoyInSound from Pixabay 

Transcript

Speaker 0:06

Hi everyone! Of course, I could not let this week passed without an episode dedicated to International Women's Day.

Speaker 0:17

We are living in some very exciting times for women; I see the glass ceiling only existing with pay rates. Face it ladies, “We’ve come a long way” we refused to be defined and limited by societal stereotypes and now more so than any other time in history, we are reaping the benefits from those who paved the way for us. Trinidad and Tobago has three powerful women now simultaneously occupying the highest offices of national leadership — a first in the nation’s history.

Speaker 0:17

Our Honourable Prime Minister Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the trailblazing first woman to ever serve as Prime Minister, current President Christine Kangaloo, the second woman elected to the highest office of the Republic and the Honourable opposition leader Mrs. Penelope Beckles-Robinson, who has just made history as the first female Opposition Leader of the People’s National Movement (PNM), bold testament to the rise of women in the corridors of power.

Speaker 0:17

In March 2023, a survey conducted by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) was quoted to show that T&T is leading the way regionally in terms of women in management positions. We have and have had women leaders in the energy and hotel sectors, areas long noted for their monopoly in management by our male counterparts. Yet, while we are making strides in various sectors, we must also pause to acknowledge the hurdles we face.

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For some, it involves navigating the complexities of career life while ensuring that they have time for themselves for personal growth. • For others, its navigating career life and hormonal changes • For others, its navigating a life as a wife and mother • For others, its navigating career life and domestic violence • For others its being a single mother • Or combinations of all of these

Speaker 0:17

Sadly, many women still also deal with the harsh realities of corporate bullying. It is disheartening, but it exists and is a battle many of us fight daily.

Speaker 0:17

Today, I want to encourage every woman listening to remember that you are not alone in these battles. There is nothing to be ashamed about, we all deal with these in one way or another. Im screaming out to you Reach out to someone, there are life and career coaches, organisations to assist, friends and family and if you think you are alone, take that to the god of the universe in prayer. He will show you that you are not. Don’t be silent and know that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Get some help. Reach out to me and I will steer you in the right direction for assistance. Some of these are life and death situations, ask for help please. Speaking of hormonal changes Here are some things I did that worked well for me. In every month I noted the 3 days where I was a bit irrational and would make no decisions or have any contentious meetings during that time. You all know what I am talking about. I noted these dates on a calendar and ensured on those days, that I would think twice before I reacted. We know ourselves.

Speaker 0:17

So Especially those of us in leadership positions. This works. Save your staff, your friendships, your family members. On these days you are also a little lethargic, make your list of things to do and just action one by one, eat when you are hungry but do not look at the clock until you have completed your list. Whatever time that may be.

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This is how mindset works, as soon as you look at the clock, you will start to feel tired and start a procrastination routine. Just get it done Later in life, the big M., we don’t talk about it, but we should. I have been lucky, no mood swings etc. I’ve sailed through this. I spoke to my doctor, got some additional vitamins, and balanced the hormonal imbalance. What I’m trying to say is again, you do not have to suffer in silence and alone. Talk about this, network, find what works for you. This is not a secret its something we all have to go through at some point.

Speaker 0:17

So now Take a moment to reflect on your personal journey. your unique path, Share your story, take the time to listen to others — it’s through our conversations that we foster empowerment, connections and solutions. Stay Open Minded, network and continue to be fierce.