Empowering Women: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience Across Generations

“How can I return to work after ten years as a stay-at-home mom?” A friend reached out to me with this pressing question related to her upcoming divorce.

She used to work full time with a thriving career before her marriage. Now, she finds herself grappling with a daunting dilemma — a sense of isolation after being distanced from professional society for so long.

After attentively hearing her story, I offered her some advice including self-care strategies, career options, and adjustment necessary to reclaim control of her life. I thought about two friends that I coached a few years ago. While not facing divorce, they encountered a similar challenge: re-entering the workforce after dedicating themselves to childcare for a period.

I have the deepest empathy for those women who give up their passions and dreams for the sake of family. For generations, women play the role of nurturing and providing for their families.

I was also glad to see that women show tremendous strength and resilience facing challenges in the past and now. How did they overcome obstacles in their personal and professional journey? I am fortunate enough to be surrounded with numerous extraordinary women who serve as inspirations in my life. Here are some valuable lessons that I learned from them.

1. Being optimistic.

Looking back at the historical context, it’s evident that women faced significant limitations in pursuing their passions and dreams. Reflecting on my own family history, I recall my great aunt, who played a pivotal role in my upbringing. Born in 1910s China, like the women of her era, she had bound feet and cared for six children and her husband, while also toiling tirelessly on the farm fields. Despite all constraints she faced, she embedded unspoken dreams into the beautiful folklores she hummed to me. Her soft voice and kind words etched into my memory — it’s her way to nurture herself and others. Her optimism was contagious and unforgettable.

(My great aunt, me, and my dad, in Beijing when I was two)

2. Continuous learning.

Women in my mom’s generation significantly improved under Chairman Mao who advocated women’s rights with the slogan “Women hold half the sky.” My mom grew up as an orphan after losing her parents during WWII. Amidst the relentless challenges of starvation, poverty, illness, and isolation, she persevered, eventually going to college and becoming an accomplished physicist. At the age of 44, she embarked on a remarkable journey of self-teaching English and seized an opportunity to work as a guest researcher at the KTH Institute in Sweden. Throughout her life, she exemplified resilience and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth, demonstrating that education is indeed power.

3. Raising our voices.

Now, in my generation, the horizon of possibilities has expanded even further. From graduate studies to my role as a risk executive in finance and FinTech, I’ve learned from inspiring women that dared to raise their hands in male-dominated industries like engineering and consulting.

One female friend faced discrimination at work, repeatedly silenced by a male superior while leading projects, because of her gender and Asian background. Fed up with the treatment, she reported his behavior to HR and began seeking opportunities elsewhere. Despite having to relinquish her project, she eventually secured a new position outside of the company. “I reported his demeaning tones to HR, but nothing changed,” she mentioned to me. Even though her issues were not resolved in a timely manner, her courage of raising her voice paved the way for other women in the company.

4. Cultivation of self-compassion.

One concerning trend I’ve noticed is that women often take on more than we can handle in an effort to prove ourselves equal to our male counterparts. This often leads to sacrificing our own well-being while juggling responsibilities at work and home. Sadly, three of my female friends ended up in the emergency room due to burnout in the past year alone. It’s heartening to see many women recognizing the harm in this pattern and taking steps to change it. Jennie Blumenthal, a friend that I got to know via the Chief network, advocates for this change in her book “Corporate Rehab: Ditch The Hustle Culture And Thrive Again.” (Chief is a private network for senior executive women.) Women have awakened to prioritize self-care, recognizing the importance of maintaining their well-being both at work and at home, rather than sacrificing it in the pursuit of proving their competence.

5. Telling our story and uplifting others.

Numerous women authors have courageously shared their stories to inspire others and amplify diverse voices in recent years. I’m grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from authors like Eugina Jordan, Natashan Durkins, Loren Rosario-Maldonado, Ariela Nerubay Turndorf, Nykra Riskin, Simran Sahoo, Jenny Gwinn McGlothern, and many more during my writing journey. The wave of talented women authors from diverse backgrounds within my network are making their mark with compelling works. Their voices are instrumental in fostering greater understanding, empathy, and empowerment within our communities and beyond.

(Books by female authors published in 2023)

Reflecting on my own journey, I’m inspired to commit to supporting other women in the pursuit of gender equality, career fulfillment, and happiness. In addition, I am drawn to consider the younger generation. Growing up with the internet and artificial intelligence technology, they navigate a world vastly different from my own youth. Yet, amidst this technological evolution, the essence of human connection remains as vital as ever.

To the remarkable women of today and tomorrow, I offer this reminder: your resilience is truly awe-inspiring. From historical figures like my great aunt, who lacked educational opportunities, to modern icons like JK Rowling, who overcame gender bias by using gender-neutral initials and facing rejections for publication twelve times, women have made strides over the past century (Source: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jk-rowling-reason-pen-name). While challenges persist, we are making progress and paving the way for future generations. Your ability to adapt, persevere, and connect with others amidst our ever-changing world is a testament to your strength and determination. Keep shining brightly and blazing trails for generations to come.

This article is a part of collaboration between HLWF ™ Alliance and Women’s Circle. Women’s Circle is a collective of executive leaders who believe that wellness is foundational to corporate success.

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