06 Jun 2023

The idea of being a young wife has changed considerably in todays fast changing world.

The days when a wife’s only responsibilities were to maintain the home and care for her husband are long gone and young wives in the modern era are powerful, independent women who place a high value on having a busy social life while pursuing their professional goals.

That is according to Keamogetse Mabotho, founder and organiser of Young Wives brunch, held recently and emphasised on empowerment, sisterhood as well as and personal development of wives as one of the ways they commemorated their special journey.

“This year, Young Wives brunch’s theme was self-care and intended to give our attendees an experience that would transform their lives by equipping them with the necessary skills in order to be intentional about caring for themselves; guilt free,” Mabotho said. She said young wives often faced  unique challenges as they navigated the complexities of marriage, career and personal growth.

“The Young Wives brunch therefore offers a platform for open and honest conversations about these experiences, providing an opportunity to learn from one another and gain a fresh perspective,” she said.

By sharing stories of triumphs, struggles and personal growth, Mabotho stated that young wives empowered each other and found strength in their collective wisdom. Clad in colourful fascinators and frilly dresses, married and soon to be married women from all walks of life, gathered to listen to a quartet of inspirational women who dished out pearls of wisdom on topics which ranged from self-care, self-actualisation, the power of prayer and art therapy. One of the speakers, Mrs Botswana finalist, Carole Ndori emphasised the need for self-actualisation.

“Ladies always be intentional about your physical, mental and spiritual health,” she said.

Ndori also stated that women should pursue their passions regardless of their roles as mothers and wives. Meanwhile, Pastor Leungo Motingwa said the power of prayer in marriage served as a supportive tool in providing spiritual nourishment and a source of strength and guidance for couples.

“Prayer can provide emotional support during challenging times in a marriage, and it offers an opportunity to express concerns, fears, and frustrations to a higher power, which can be comforting and bring solace,” she said.

Moreover, medical doctor and founder of a skin care line dubbed Sanity essentials, Dr Betty Mosenye described self-care as an essential tool that needed to be practiced by everyone, regardless of age or marital position.

“Self-care, however, becomes even more crucial for young wives as they acclimate to the obligations and changes that come with marriage,” she stated. Dr Mosenye said maintaining identity, personal well-being, setting a positive example and embracing one’s perfect imperfections were some of the steps that had to be taken by women to maintain their sanity and self-care.

“Each young wife should explore and find what works best for her in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life both within and outside of her marriage,” she said.  ENDS