A mother, manager and media liasion; Claudette Keene is a Jack of all trades.
Mrs Keene joined the Lions Club about a year and a half ago, but her love of philanthropy emanates from her childhood days. As a teen, she envisioned herself as a doctor, but soon realised the medical field just wasn’t the right fit.
“I was too much of a tomboy for that kind of thing. I became who I am now, and I’m happy,” she explained.
Mrs Keene grew up in the then Belgian Congo and came to South Africa as a refugee.
“I’ve seen and been a recipient of that kind of difficult situation, so I’ve always wanted to be a giving person,” she said. “I’ve been involved with numerous charity organisations over the years.”
Being a media spokesperson for Lions has it’s fair share of ups and downs. Mrs Keene said her predecessors did a wonderful job, but feels the club needs far more exposure.
“That way, the community will get to know exactly what we’re doing. We do a lot of work behind the scenes nobody even knows about.”
Mrs Keene was astounded by the fact that very few people were aware of the club’s existence.
“The community needs to be reminded there are people in need around them.
“I know it sounds strange, but it’s true. If we don’t have service organisations like ourselves and all the others in town, people just don’t give.”
She also acknowledged the complexity of the relationship between the ‘need’ and the ‘needy’.
“You need service organisations to marry the two together; the people who are prepared to give and the people who need. I know people mean well, but [without the help of service organisations] they don’t actually go out there to do anything.”
Mrs Keene plans to use the media as a platform to highlight the club’s work, while drawing attention to pertinent issues within communities in and around Newcastle.
“As a media liaison, I have to ensure the things we do as a club are brought out to the media. I have to let people know what we’re up to in order for them to support us in supporting the needy.”
In keeping with Women’s Month, the Newcastle Advertiser put Mrs Keene in the hot seat, asking her a few tough questions.
Here’s what she had to say:
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership in our country?
“Our own self-esteem, or lack thereof. We see ourselves as second grade citizens even today and it is time we don’t do that anymore. We need to see ourselves as leaders.”
What are some of the biggest challenges faced by women today?
“The biggest challenge faced by women is trying to balance life. Many years ago, mothers used to get up in the morning, look after their children, look after their homes and look after their husbands. We have to do that, plus careers, plus all the other things that have been pushed onto us. I believe if we can balance that out and not feel guilty about not fulfilling all those roles, we’d get further ahead.”
If you could introduce one piece of legislation to further gender equality, what would it be?
“The only legislation I would even look at is to ensure we have a decent education system. I know it has nothing to do with gender equality, but if we can provide a decent education, we would move ahead. I believe we have done a great disservice in this country in not ensuring women and children are well educated. To give a woman an education is to empower her for life.”
What woman has inspired you most in your life?
“Joyce Meyer. If you look at her background, you would have basically written a tabloid saying she’s going to become nothing. She was prepared to put those kinds of things behind her and make a difference for others in her life. I just think she’s an incredibly inspiring woman.”
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Shut up and move on. Stop whining and forget about it.”
What’s the best decision you have ever made?
“The best decision I’ve ever made was to become a Christian. I made a lot of really stupid decisions in my life, but I do believe those decisions made me become the person I am today. I’ve never been defined by bad things I’ve done, because I’ve decided to put it behind me and move forward.”
What’s your favourite method of communication and why?
“I like to talk face to face and not Facebook-Facebook. I was born BC (Before Computers). I just think face to face interaction is an incredible thing and we’ve lost that.”
What advice do you have for young women?
“So many people are trying to be everybody else. The only person you could be the best at is yourself.”
Mrs Keene stays true to herself, regardless of what others think. Over the years, she attempted, without fail, to instill similar values in her children.
“I consider myself successful. My life turned out better than I would have ever imagined,” she concluded.
Mrs Keene’s compassion and ability to put the needs of others before her own make her a downright delight to be around. Her inner beauty and grace are characteristics many could only hope to emulate.
