Case study - Rashida Suleman supports International Women's Day
Rashida Suleman lives in Nuneaton. She is a healthcare assistant, mother of four children aged between 10 and 19, carer for her mother-in-law who has osteo-arthritis, volunteer for carers’ support service Guideposts and a truly inspiring woman.
Rashida successfully juggles all these supportive roles whilst still finding time to regularly speak about her experiences to health and social care students and professionals at Warwick and Coventry Universities.
Rashida’s positive attitude and belief that anything is possible make her a great role model for International Women’s Day. When asked about the support she tirelessly offers to others she said: “Everyone needs support at some time or another, even if it’s just reassurance that there is light at the end of the tunnel. My family are always there for me giving me the confidence to be who I want to be and I try to do this for others.
“Caring has given me a purpose and I’ve found something I’m really good at. I can be the voice for those who can’t speak up for themselves and do small things for them which make a big difference to their lives - this also makes me feel good.
“I believe everyone has a talent, even if it takes a long time to find it I would tell people not to give up. My advice to young women would be to aim high to reach their goals, to keep going forward and never look back as they strive to be who they want to be.
“You have to have passion to fulfil your dreams and enjoy and learn something from each day in the rollercoaster of life. Keep smiling no matter what life throws at you as your smile will reach out and touch others.
“I would also tell them to understand their limits and stay strong if things don’t go as expected and make sure they take time out for themselves and learn when to say no.
“People often ask me how I do what I do, I just tell them to know themselves and stay true to their principles. When I meet with university students I always speak from the heart about my experience and have always had a fantastic reception. This gives me more confidence to keep inspiring others to go the extra mile.”