UP’s Deputy Director of Academic Support in the Department of Library Services tells us about using spiritual intelligence to enhance interactions with students and colleagues.  

"I bring a unique dimension to my role through my spiritually intelligent approach to life,” says Anna Siwela, Deputy Director of Academic Support in the Department of Library Services. In this interview, she tells us about the interests that keep her continuously energised.

Tell us about yourself.

My qualifications include a master’s degree in information technology from the University of Pretoria, and an honours degree in library and information science as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Limpopo. In my free time, you'll often find me engrossed in a good book, singing along to my favourite songs and posting them to TikTok, sharing laughter with friends and family, and even indulging in some spontaneous dancing. I believe that spending quality time with loved ones is essential for nurturing strong connections and finding solace in a busy world. I thrive on learning from colleagues, as their insights and experiences help me grow both professionally and personally. I bring a unique dimension to my role through my spiritually intelligent approach to life. I believe that true wisdom comes from nurturing the soul as well as the mind, and I strive to create an environment where individuals can flourish intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. This spiritual intelligence not only enhances my interactions with students, faculty, and colleagues but also fosters a sense of compassion and empathy within the academic community. I am committed to promoting not only intellectual growth but also the well-being and flourishing of all those I serve.

What inspired you to choose your field of study/ profession, and what challenges did you overcome to pursue it?

Most of my family members were in the field of education. I appreciated what they did, but I was sure that was not what I wanted to do for my career. I had little information about other career options and studied for a BA degree with languages and linguistics majors. In my second year, I decided to pursue librarianship because I had developed a passion for reading. The schools I went to did not have a library. I wanted to expose others to the wealth of information that is stored in books and help them better their lives, make better choices, and transform their families and communities, thus impacting the world and making a significant difference.

In your experience, what obstacles do women face in your field, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Historically, librarianship was considered a suitable profession for women due to the perception that it aligns with traditional gender roles. This stereotype has led to a devaluation of the profession and perpetuated the idea that women are better suited for librarian roles, especially at entry-level positions. We need to give women in the field the chance to lead, and develop tailor-made mentorship programmes relevant for women to address their growth and professional development. Mentoring should include aspects such as financial management, project management and information technology. Librarianship demands a work-life balance. Women often face challenges balancing their professional responsibilities with family and caregiving duties, leading to difficult choices between career advancement and personal life. Women need flexibility, work from home and remote work opportunities, day care at reduced rates at workplaces, and leave to take care of personal health needs, such as for sensitive issues like menstrual leave. Additionally, women in librarianship might have fewer opportunities, as it is assumed that they are less technically proficient or less capable of handling advanced technology compared to their male counterparts. This can result in discrimination when it comes to technological opportunities and projects in the field of Library and Information Services. This can be addressed by introducing technical subjects in the Library and Information Science curriculum at tertiary level, and by allowing women to attend short courses and online training. Women also need safe reporting mechanisms; workplaces must establish clear and confidential reporting mechanisms for incidents of harassment, discrimination, victimisation, or bias, and ensure that proper actions are taken to address and prevent such so that women’s voices are not silenced.

Are there any women mentors or role models who have influenced your professional journey? How did they inspire you?

My mum, Jane Thema, was my first role model, who inspired me to be kind, influential, and resilient. She instilled in me the value of hard work, integrity, positivity, listening, forgiving, and doing my best regardless of obstacles. She supported my studies, as she herself was an educator who eventually assumed a position as a primary school principal. She encouraged me to love, educate, and care for those who are not cared for. Her advice was that, “Love is the best medication to spread in the world.”

Any other role models?

Dr John Tsebe stands as a prominent and influential figure within my field. His vast expertise illuminated numerous pathways in the field, and his leadership at the outset of my career left an indelible mark. His visionary approach paved the way for me to assume strategic leadership roles, amplifying my professional growth and impact. I also have Prof Caroline Nicholson, the University of Pretoria Registrar, who mentors and encourages my leadership growth. She identifies my potential, which affirms my belief in my leadership skills.

What initiatives or programmes do you think the university should implement to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?

Gender equity workshops offering training sessions for women to raise awareness about gender biases, stereotypes, and discrimination; mentorship/ internship programmes that pair female students and early-career faculty with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support; and leadership development programmes specifically tailored for women, providing them with the skills and resources needed to excel.

How can we promote work-life balance and address the challenges women may face in balancing academic/ professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments?

Implement flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours. UP’s new Work Policy is so welcomed and needs to be implemented so women can continue to thrive at work and at home. Childcare facilities would help alleviate the childcare burden and support women in pursuing their academic and career goals. Provide mental health support to ensure work-life balance, consider menstrual leave and providing free sanitary products, and raise awareness of premenstrual and menopause syndromes.

How can the university better support women in advancing their careers and attaining leadership roles?

Ensure that course materials and curricula represent a diverse range of voices, including those of women and other marginalised groups. Conduct regular assessments of the university's progress in creating an inclusive environment for women. Use feedback from students, faculty, and staff to continually improve initiatives. Establish networking events, workshops, and affinity groups for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Implement inclusive hiring practices that aim to diversify the university staff. Celebrate and promote the achievements of women in academia through awards, public recognition, and highlighting their contributions in university communications.

As we celebrate Women's Month, what message would you like to send to young women aspiring to be where you are?

As women, we have a lot of challenges that we face within leadership, so it is good to work together, as opposed to working against one another. Position yourself, enrich your skills, be innovative, and network with those who have been through the journey, to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Identify mentors and role models, and build emotional and spiritual intelligence to assist you to reach your goals, irrespective of your obstacles. Do not be afraid to take risks, and be sure to make tangible transformation decisions for your work environment. As the poet TS Eliot said, “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”