Why women should recharge their life batteries

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In the green lashes of Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a group of women decided to let their hair loose to mark International Women’s Day. This was over walks in the parks, playing in the lake, boat rides, food feasts, and later in the evening gift exchange. The event was organised by Eco-Quest Vacations and Women’s Hub organisations.

It is no surprise that women shoulder the majority of the work at home. Sometimes even after a busy work schedule, women have to return home and continue with the domestic chores.

Chantel Jen Francis Atuhairwe from Eco-Quest Vacations, said she found it necessary to introduce women to nature and their need to travel for their well-being.  “This can help them to relax and therefore be able to deal realistically with issues in their lives,” Atuhairwe revealed.

“As women leave their comfortable spaces, travelling helps them to focus on themselves and therefore be able to find more strength for the tasks ahead,” Atuhairwe says.

On the other hand, Joan Mugaba, the team lead Women’s Hub Uganda and career advisor at ISABT University says she knows of women who toil a lot but can hardly find time off their busy schedule to relax. She stressed that women need that relaxing time because once they break down and die, they can be replaced.

In the long run, with no careful planning, a woman can find herself worn and burnt out. This was emphasized by the guest of honour, Jacqueline Asiimwe, the founder of Civic Source Africa, and Walk Talk Connect, Uganda. Asiimwe encouraged women to always find a place to plug in and get their strength back instead of always being on the go. “What is your process for checking yourself out daily?” Asiimwe asked. “Just as we look ourselves in the mirror, are we assessing our internal selves?”

Chantel Jen Francis Atuhairwe from Eco-Quest Vacations with Jacqueline Asiimwe, the founder of Civic Source Africa and a friend at the picnic. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)

It was time for playing. (Credit: Maureen Nakatudde)

Women, therefore, need space where they can be able to vent and also be free.  When you let things build up inside, and there is no release, Asiimwe says this can lead to stress and sometimes making bad decisions.

That is why it is very important to recharge your body with strength. “Every time you put your phone on charge, ask yourself, have you recharged today?” Asiimwe noted that the majority of women juggle multiple things and their batteries are always in red or below, yet they always ignore such signs. The effect can therefore be sickness, stress, anger outbursts, and sometimes being unable to concentrate.

When it is time for recharging and getting back your vibe, no one thing can work for everyone. Asiimwe says there are different recharging mechanisms for everyone. What is it that you need to recharge? How do you make sure that your battery is full? Some people can rejuvenate with: prayers, exercises, rest, hydration, going out with friends, visiting new places while others go for medical checks.

Juliet Odongo, a forensic officer with the Uganda police, was very happy with the event because she laughed and connected with other people.