Women: ‘You do not always have to be Superwoman’
Doreen Siwela (82) believes that women are the beacons of hope in their communities.
POLOKWANE – Despite being the ripe old age of 82 years, Doreen Siwela’s name is synonymous with love and hope for the people in the community of Ndengeza village.
Known for her love for the Lord, she opened up her home to the community and gave guidance to those who needed that motherly love.
Siwela explained that she does not know how she ended up being a mother to the community, but added that people felt comfortable coming to her in their times of need.
“I am old now and have had to take a step back and allow myself to be taken care of the way I used to take care of the people around me in my younger days. I am reaping the rewards through the love I am receiving in my old age,” she said.
Speaking on why she kept an open door policy in her home for so many years of her life, Siwela shared that there is a need for love in this world. She added that it does not mean that people need to be related to share love.
“I have never been rich but money is not a factor when you are called to help people. Without a plan, I opened my door to those in need because I have never doubted God’s ability to make things possible,” she said.
Siwela used to be a businesswoman and has five children of her own apart from the many others whom she has taken under her wings over the years. She explained that it is important to celebrate days like Women’s Day because women play an important role in society.
“Women have to be multidimensional and multitasking is something that you have to always do. I especially see it with the young women these days who are professionals. They come home and have to be mothers and wives and still fulfil the roles of being a sister, a daughter and a friend. It takes a lot to do that and we have to appreciate it,” she explained.
Siwela added that women carry a lot of weight on their shoulders and that they do not hear it enough that it is okay to not be ‘Superwoman’. She would like to see more women being given a break and space to breathe.
“It is fine to refuse that invitation if you are tired. It’s okay to not come home and pick up a mop when you come back from work tired. Too much pressure is placed on women to be everything and do everything, which is not realistic,” she said.
Siwela will enjoy the pleasures of being at home this Women’s Day. She plans on spending time with her children and grandchildren while noting the women who played a role in paving the way for women to be celebrated.
