Held under the theme Resilience During Your Most Challenging Moments: Let’s Engage, the celebrations brought together women from across the University to reflect on the challenges women face and explore practical ways of strengthening their mental, emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.
The programme included discussions on mental health, workplace wellness, legal matters, financial planning and personal resilience, providing an opportunity for women from different professional backgrounds to share perspectives and experiences.
UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa said resilience should not be understood as having to remain strong or endure difficulties alone.
The programme included discussions on mental health, workplace wellness, legal matters, financial planning and personal resilience.
“Resilience does not mean that we are strong all the time. We should allow ourselves to acknowledge when we are not okay,” she said.
Professor Meyiwa encouraged women to draw strength from their support networks, including family, friends and trusted colleagues, particularly during difficult periods.
“Being a strong woman does not mean carrying all the burdens alone,” she said, emphasising the importance of reaching out rather than withdrawing when facing challenges.
She also encouraged women to practise self-care and recognise that their own wellbeing deserves attention, particularly when they are balancing responsibilities at work, in their families and in their communities.
Women were encouraged to draw strength from their support networks.
“Radical self-care is necessary,” she said, highlighting the importance of making time to rest, meditate, pursue hobbies and seek professional assistance when needed.
Setting boundaries, she added, was an essential part of protecting one’s wellbeing.
“‘No’ is a complete sentence,” she said, encouraging women to recognise their limits rather than becoming overwhelmed by trying to meet every demand placed on them.
Building Resilience Through Practical Support
The Women’s Month programme extended beyond discussion of mental health, addressing several areas that can affect women’s ability to cope with challenging circumstances.
The celebrations provided a space for women to reflect and engage with one another.
Panel discussions explored physical and mental wellbeing, workplace pressures, legal protection and financial resilience. Participants were encouraged to delegate responsibilities, make time for activities outside work and address emotional burdens associated with past experiences, relationships and difficult situations.
The conversations reinforced the importance of seeking support and making informed decisions during challenging periods, while recognising that resilience can take different forms.
For UMP women, the celebrations provided a space to reflect, engage with one another and consider practical ways of protecting their wellbeing while continuing to navigate their responsibilities at work, at home and in their communities.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.