6 days ago
Empowering women through resilience: The story of public servant Marlaine Nair
Democratic Alliance member and Cogta Portfolio Committee Chairperson Marlaine Nair
Image: Supplied
In a world where challenges often overshadow possibilities, Marlaine Nair stands out as someone who sees solutions where others see roadblocks.
A public servant, mediator, motivator, and teacher at heart, Nair has dedicated her life to helping people especially women and youth to unlock their potential by transforming the way they think.
She described to the Daily News how she overcame personal threats in the political arena to championing mental health and empowerment of others.
Nair, a member of KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, where she chairs the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' portfolio committee, has lived a life that is a testament to her resilience, faith, and purpose.
She said one of the greatest qualities was her ability to see solutions where others saw problems, and Nair never shies away, even when dealing with strangers.
'I'm also a teacher at heart, passionate about breaking down complex ideas, especially when it comes to the Bible, so that the messages are easy to understand.
Along the way, I've also become an accredited commercial mediator and a motivator, helping people see possibilities where they thought there were none.'
Key for Nair solving problems was to help people with their thinking.
Nair said she was a firm believer of the phrase: 'As a man thinketh, so is he.'
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Nair emphasised the importance of women taking control of their thoughts.
On her love for Politics, she highlighted her displeasure with the injustice or the mistreatment of people.
'Even before I was in politics, I'd challenge systems and decisions that didn't make sense. I've always had an overwhelming love for people, so in 2015, when the opportunity came to serve as a DA councillor, I grabbed it. It felt like a natural extension of who I already was'.
Through her staunch opposition to injustice, Nair said it brought her enemies and threats, but reasoned that to be a yardstick, indicating that she was making progress.
Once she was hijacked while doing councillor duties, but that didn't deter, it gave her added motivation.
'Politics isn't for the faint hearted. we often joke that you need either incredible tenacity or a little madness to keep going'.
Nair advocates for attention to mental health for women because many were stuck in abusive relationships due to financially dependency on their partners.
She believes that skills and the virtues of independence must be taught at a young age so that they learn to support themselves,
DA member Marlaine Nair
Image: supplied
'But it's not only about money, even highly educated women sometimes stay because they don't believe they deserve better. Women need to know their worth and value themselves,' Nair emphasised
About equal opportunities for women, Nair argued that preparation meets opportunity, adding that she did not want an opportunity simply because she was a woman.
"If opportunities are going to be presented, it must be presented purely because it brings something valuable to the table."
For women wishing to venture into political space, Nair said they must first know the spin-offs beforehand, remain disciplined and balanced so that they can last in the field.
'Never show your hand too early, and work hard to build your credibility. And above all stay teachable. No matter how much you know, there's always more to learn,' she said.
On juggling her public and personal life, she admitted that it took her time to adjust, but turning 50 was a wake-up call.
She said the change that politicians want for the country won't come from one person, and it won't happen in one lifetime. Nair said that task must be a collective effort.
'To do my part well, I now make time for my health, my spiritual life, and my family.
"A sharpened axe cuts better and right now, I'm sharpening mine,' Nair conceded.
