By: Nosipho Ntombela

There are things that a woman is better off without doing. Things that make her loose respect and dignity. These are also things a woman should be mindful of.

Being a woman is a full time job. You can’t wake up and decide you are quitting. You work even when you don’t want to. People are always watching you and expecting you to be someone they imagine you to be. You have to watch your steps, your tone, your behaviour and many things you say and do.

“There is nothing difficult as being a woman,” said Naledi Mabaso who works at The Beauty Shop at Musgrave Shopping Centre.

“In these days it (is) worse than being married. I remember when I first came here. Where I came from I spoke however I wanted. My friends and I would speak vulgar language anyhow and laugh about it, but now we can’t. One day we were teasing each other and a gay guy passed by and said: “you straight girls do not have manners” I was totally embarrassed,” she added.

Apart from minding how you speak as a woman, it is important to mind your steps. There is nothing that is heart-breaking then being taken for granted because of the way you carry yourself in public.

There is a saying that says, “Love yourself first for others to love you.”

Be mindful of what you wear. It’s okay to show skin but know when too much skin is just too much.You do not want to appear overbearing. Be careful of the crowd you associate yourself with. Someone can say a lot about you through your friends and you do not want to be judged for who you know.

Nonhlanhla Manzini (24) from KwaDabeka in Pinetown said, “I am nothing like my friends but I get to be associated with the bad things they do. People always say I can’t have bad friends if I am not bad myself,” she said.

Now let’s get to the part that some women consider as important in a woman’s life … dating.

Prophetess Nomusa Dhlomo, from Covenant Fellowship Church International said in a lady’s seminar that you choose for yourself to be involved and who to be involved with.

“As a lady you must be sure that you are sure of the decision you make. You can’t get involved with anyone (and) anyhow. You are a lady so carry yourself like a lady,” she said.

You know the type of the woman you are? Be that woman! Be a wise, intelligent, strong, and beautiful woman. Amongst it all, value yourself. Woman you are very influential! You have the power to be what you want. Use it.