PANGKALPINANG — Juggling the dual roles of being a mother and a worker is undoubtedly challenging, especially for women working in the mining industry. However, in reality, navigating two professions simultaneously can be accomplished with strong determination.
This is the sentiment felt by women workers at PT Timah Tbk. Despite being part of an industry that tends to be male-dominated, they become even more resilient in carrying out their duties.
For these women, gender equality in the mining environment is not just rhetoric; female workers have the opportunity to contribute equally as women at PT Timah Tbk.
Rizki Agustiani, a mother of two and part of the evaluation and reporting division of the Processing Unit, shared her experience. She mentioned that being a working mother poses its own time management challenges. To fulfill her responsibilities as a worker, she maximizes work hours to complete tasks effectively and efficiently. This way, when at home, she can focus on her role as a mother and wife.
"As a working mother, you have to be able to manage time and be disciplined. I try to finish my work at the office on time. So, when I get home on time, I still have the energy for quality time at home, for my children and husband," she said.
Despite occasionally having to go to the field, which requires collaboration with her family, she believes everything can be managed well. She emphasized the importance of communication with her husband and family.
"Our job involves fieldwork, so sometimes we go to the field, and usually, when going to the field, we have to leave earlier and come back later in the evening. But all of this can be anticipated and communicated with my husband and family," she explained.
She admitted that being both a mother and a worker requires extra energy. This is necessary to fulfill both roles effectively and maintain mental health.
"Sometimes we feel tired, but we must still have the energy to share at home. There are times when I have to restrain myself and perhaps have extra energy," she said.
She is grateful to work at PT Timah Tbk because of the supportive working environment. Despite the low number of female workers, they are often understood by their colleagues. Additionally, PT Timah Tbk provides facilities and comfort for its female workers.
"The working environment is supportive, and the company is also supportive. For example, we still have time for pumping and working hours to meet the needs of breastfeeding. There is also a nursing room," she added.
Despite the positive aspects, she acknowledged the dilemma of not being able to continuously accompany her children to witness their growth. She stressed the importance of quality time spent together rather than focusing solely on the quantity of time.
"Don't be discouraged, mothers working out there. Don't feel inferior because we don't have much time at home. Be confident that quality time is better than long hours spent in vain at home just for scolding," she advised.
Avi Wulandari, another female worker at PT Timah Tbk and a mother of two, shared her experience in managing the dual role as a mother and a female worker. Working as a chemical analyst in the Exploration Division, Avi mentioned the specific risks of her job, such as exposure to radiation. However, she doesn't complain and focuses on maintaining good health.
"Every job has its risks, like mine where testing samples involves a risk of radiation exposure. But for me, the risk is relatively small, and it's about how we can maintain good health," she said.
As a mother, Avi strives to provide the best for her family. She manages her time wisely and prepares thoroughly.
"The challenge is indeed in time management, but because I'm used to it, I already have my own rhythm. So, I can balance activities at home and in the office, with the support of family members," said the mother of two.
For example, she prepares food every week to make it easier to prepare meals and support family nutrition.
"As a working mother, the most crowded time is in the morning because we have to prepare everything, and we also have to be ready to work. But because we're used to it, everything can be managed and experienced well," she said.
She is grateful that PT Timah Tbk supports female workers, allowing them to be more flexible. For instance, when a child is sick, they can request leave.
"There is a lot of company support for female workers, such as during certain times and emergencies; we can ask for leave. The company also provides various types of leave, such as maternity leave and others," she said.
Avi and her family often refresh together on weekends to strengthen their relationships and as a form of collective healing.
"As a female worker, we do divide our time in our own ways. For example, on weekdays, we focus on work. So, during working hours, we genuinely work. Then, when at home, we try to spend time with our families, and if, for example, it's a holiday, we try to go out together with the family," she explained.
Another female worker at PT Timah Tbk, Rizkiana Trimaulani, who works in the Planning and Evaluation Division of the Exploration Department, said that being a worker does not diminish a woman's value as a mother.
"Working doesn't diminish our value as mothers, even though there are challenges in terms of time management. But all of this can be done well with the support of our partners and family members," she said.
For Rizkiana, many unpredictable situations can be challenging but manageable. She acknowledged the dilemma of being a working mother, such as when a family member is sick, and she is faced with work that needs to be completed.
"The challenge is indeed in time management, especially since I am a mother of three young children. But all of this can be overcome well. It's just that sometimes there are situations that require us to be strong," she said.
According to her, the dilemma as a working mother includes when a family member falls ill. Especially when she is also faced with work that needs to be completed.
"The dilemma of being a mother is when a family member is sick. Sometimes we worry about their condition. The happiness of being a mother arises when we can see the smiles of all family members," she concluded. (*)
