Polly Boshielo: Unapologetically a powerful woman
Polly Boshielo speaks about the challenges of being a woman in her position as Education MEC.
POLOKWANE – In line with Women’s Day this year, Polokwane Review spoke to Education MEC Polly Boshielo on the challenges she faces as a woman in her department, particularly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Boshielo says that being the MEC of the Education Department is tough and has many challenges but that having a passion for education makes it a bit easier. She says when she was first appointed by the premier he told her that her courage and passion will see her through and she has often thought back to those words and they always help her to carry on.
Polly says being in charge of a department where 70% of the people are men has proven to be challenging, particularly in this lockdown period when important decisions had to be made.
“Being a mother to three boys and a wife I also need to fill those roles at home no matter how difficult my job is. When I get home I need to be able to separate my work life and my personal life.”
She continues to say that the support she gets from her husband has seen her through many personal and work-related challenges.
“He is always available to step in and assist were he can and after more than 20 years of marriage he is still the romantic type that will run me a bath after a long day.” When asked about her role as a politician, Boshielo says the position holds many challenges. “Being a politician also has its fair share of challenges, some that I feel are sometimes tougher because I am a woman.”
She says when she was first introduced to the department she was judged based on her appearance because she did not conform to societal standards of how a woman in charge of the department should look. She would be judged based on her lifestyle and how she dresses and those judging her would not care about what she would be able to achieve within the department or the merit that got her the job.
“I would be assessed from head to toe based on what I am wearing and then they would make up their mind that I am not good enough. As a woman you need to prove yourself three times more than any man would ever have to. It is important to get support from other women who are in the same position as you. Back when I started people used to be worried because of how I look but now they have gotten used to it because I was unapologetic about who I am.”
She believes that society still struggles to accept women in executive positions because sometimes the woman might be on the forefront of a very important decision but because she is a woman she will be second guessed.
Polly recalls how when she had to make some vital decisions she would always bei compared to the MEC of education in Gauteng throughout the pandemic .
One instance was where she was part of a panel discussion with various MECs from other provinces, of which she was the only female: “During this discussion comments where mostly made about how I as woman will be torn apart by the men. It was as if it was a competition between the different provinces.”
She added that in most cases, when a man makes a mistake it is regarded as a mistake but if a woman makes one there may be calls to have her removed from her position. “We all face challenges such as infrastructure, budget constraints, abuse of learners and a lack of resources but because I am a woman I will be directly blamed for these.” She says that she doesn’t let it get her down.
“I know what I am here to do within the department and I will stay focused on achieving my goal of transforming education in Limpopo.”
She has the following advice for women who are labeled as such and hold a higher position in the workplace.
“The first and foremost thing is to know you have earned your position and that people will always be in a rush to label you.
“I was labelled the ‘tekkie MEC’. I am still that same person however people now realise that despite my name I am able to achieve my goals.
“The second thing you need to remember is to not be intimidated by gossip and work politics. Get there and do your job. Thirdly, you do not need permission to be who you are.”
She adds that a woman should make it a goal to never stop learning.
“Develop your skills to prove that you are there on merit. Always do your research and preparation before any meeting so you know what you are talking about.”
Lastly the MEC says you should remain grounded and focused on the reason why you are there. She says women need to protect and be there for each other in the face of challenges.
“Don’t forget to appreciate yourself and give yourself credit where it is due. Don’t force yourself on people who don’t like you because then you will become dependent on them and you will be very disappointed when they don’t treat you how you expect to be treated. It is impossible to be liked by everyone that’s why you should learn to be content with yourself,” Boshielo concludes.
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