WHY DO WORKING WOMEN NEED A SUPPORT SYSTEM?
Women's roles are emerging differently with new commitments and career orientation. Working women encounter particular difficulties in today's fast-paced world, such as navigating workplace biases, balancing job and family responsibilities, and finding time for personal growth. These challenges can affect their personal and professional lives, making the juggling feel overwhelming at times
Due to their numerous responsibilities, working women experience significant stress. However, research reveals that despite the challenges, working women thrive with a remarkable sense of well-being and empowerment in life.
WHAT IS A SUPPORT SYSTEM?
A support system is a network of individuals and resources that offer informational, practical, and emotional assistance.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of a support network; it promotes resilience in the face of adversity and assists women in navigating the complexities of life. Family, friends, coworkers, mentors, and professional associations for working women can all be part of this network.
ROLE OF SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WORKING WOMEN:
In most parts of the world, women bear more household responsibilities than male family members. For many working women, balancing work and personal life is a constant struggle. A support system can help create boundaries and establish priorities, enabling women to manage their time effectively. This balance is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining overall well-being.
Mentor support can enable women to take chances, seize new opportunities, and stand up for themselves at work. Supportive partners can share in household responsibilities, while friends can provide a sense of harmony and encouragement.
SUPPORT SYSTEM AT HOME:
Working women frequently balance several obligations, which can cause stress and burnout. Having someone to talk to, be it a mentor, friend, or spouse, can make all the difference. Women who receive emotional support can talk about their difficulties, acquire perspective, and get help when things get complicated.
A strong support network can provide emotional support and help working women better manage their daily obligations, such as assistance with childcare, housework, or even work-related duties.
SUPPORT SYSTEM AT WORKPLACE:
Mentors who offer guidance and advice on job progress are frequently a part of a support system, especially for women who encounter gender-specific work obstacles. Mentors may help women negotiate workplace dynamics, advocate for them professionally, and share ideas based on their experiences.
Additionally, a support system can facilitate networking opportunities essential for job advancement. Relationships formed with friends, relatives, or coworkers may result in employment openings, joint ventures, and insightful information about the sector. A strong support system can help you open doors that might otherwise remain closed, and networking is often about who you know.
Joining women's networks or professional groups can also foster a feeling of belonging and purpose. These networks can further improve a woman's career path by providing courses, seminars, and events centered on empowerment and skill development.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
In conclusion, enhancing emotion-focused coping by strengthening the support network is essential for the well-being of women with multiple roles. Although establishing and maintaining a strong support network requires work, the benefits are incalculable. Working women can empower themselves by developing relationships that inspire and uplift them, whether with friends, family, or mentors. A strong network may help unlock a woman's full potential in a world that frequently presents obstacles.
Research suggests that employed women are more satisfied with their lives than non working women. Sharing accomplishments with a network of encouraging people works well to raise spirits. When encouraged in the workplace, women are more inclined to speak up in meetings, apply for promotions, and even launch their businesses.
Celebrating success fosters a culture of empowerment and encourages women to continue striving for their goals. Networking opportunities, mentorship, practical help, and emotional support influence a woman's capacity to succeed both personally and professionally.
REFERENCES:
1. Gordon, J.R. and Whelan‐Berry, K.S. (2004), "It takes two to tango: an empirical study of perceived spousal/partner support for working women", Women in Management Review, Vol. 19 No. 5, pp. 260-273.
2. Rao K, Apte M, Subbakrishna DK. Coping and Subjective Wellbeing in Women with Multiple Roles. International Journal of Social Psychiatry. 2003;49(3):175-184.
3. Sinha S. Multiple roles of working women and psychological well-being. Ind Psychiatry J. 2017 Jul-Dec;26(2):171-177. doi: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_70_16. PMID: 30089965; PMCID: PMC6058447.
Written by:
Hana Noor,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
On December 18, 2024
