Female2Female

Phenomenal Women: Catherine Jenkin

Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by Laura in Real Life

About Cath

I am the IT and Quality Assurance manager for HIV-911 - a referral network and data collection centre that focuses on collecting and disseminating information on HIV/AIDS related service providers across SA. In that, i am a freak because I’m a chick that works in IT (this always shocks people) but, more importantly, I work with some phenomenal women too – like my boss, Debbie and my ops manager, Di.

I also work as an online content editor for The Forge and sometimes write for Parent24.com

And most importantly  I am an insane single mama to 4 year old. Cameron

On work

How did you get into your line of work?

Truth be told, working for a cause is in my blood. My folks were anti-Apartheid activists, so I grew up knowing that working had to mean something more than just a paycheque at the end of the month. So, when a good friend thought of me for the post of “Webmistress” at HIVAN, where she was working at that time, I jumped at the chance and have been here since 2002. My role has expanded, grown and refined, as the organisation has, and also enabled me to explore things I had never even dreamed possible – this is entirely thanks to my Director and a team of (mostly) women, and (some) men.

As for my writing work for The Forge, writing and editing is my passion. So when Sue had the idea to get me to do more writing work, I jumped at the chance. And of course, the occasional article for Parent24 really keeps me smiling because I can talk about my life with Cameron in an honest and uplifting way, and hope that someone resonates with it, and I think people do.

What is the biggest challenge that faces, not only you, but the organisation you work with?

Time. There is more than enough work to do and we can never truly be complete in our coverage of South African HIV/AIDS-related organisations (new ones emerge daily!). Moreover, doing more things with our database and finding new ways to put this essential information into people’s hands, is a constant process of evolution.

 

If you were given a million rand budget to do anything with work related – what would you do?

Truth be told – I’d spoil our excellent team.

One thing you hate about your work?

Some days are harder than ever expected. It’s easy to feel hopeless when you read the news. Sometimes it is hard to keep positive and focused, in the face of the epidemic.

One thing you love about your work?

The ability to always discover and explore new things. It’s a constantly evolving environment, that supports what my “brainwaves” and sometimes zany ideas.

What has working in the environment that you do taught you about life?

Working in this environment teaches me to treasure this life more and more every day. And, that attention to detail means everything

How do you make sure that both working at HIVAN and your writing work each get your 100% attention?

Simple. I never sleep. I guess my genetic disposition towards insomnia comes in handy sometimes J

On being a mom

Raising a daughter is tough – what do you find the biggest challenge?

Getting over my constant fear for her safety. Truly. Cameron is, somehow – because she definitely did not get it from me! – a very easy child, and we have a brilliant relationship. A relationship I give my everything to, but I can never truly relax when she is away from my side. I guess that’s part of being a mom.

What is the ONE lesson you want to teach her?

To never, ever, ever, be afraid to love. Even if your heart gets broken, it’s worth it.

If you had to choose which Fairytale Princess Cam would be – who would you chose? And who would you be?

Were Cam to choose, she’d choose Cinderella. So would I. We’re all about the fairy godmothers and magic wands at our house.

Biggest challenge of juggling working and being a mom?

I worry that I don’t get enough time to just play with Cam. So, usually, when it’s ‘my’ weekend with her, I devote all that time to doing the fun stuff she loves and being utterly silly.

But, that said, I am inspired by the phenomenal women in my life, and the great men. It’s them that keep me going, and hold my hand when I need it.

Would you like more kids?

No, I don’t think so.

On boys

Which actor would play the leading role in the movie of your life?

Hugh Grant. For so many reasons related to Daniel Cleaver-type behaviour would be the leading man. As for who would play me, I’d want Cameron Diaz. Although, apparently, Gigi from “He’s Just Not That Into You” is the celluloid version of me – according to a friend of mine. All in all, though, Jen Barber from “The IT Crowd” actually, IS me, I am certain!

If a guy wants to sweep you off your feet what would he need to do?

Be himself. Make me laugh. And write me letters. Seriously, am a girl with simple needs.

First 5 things you notice about a guy?

Humour – it must be off-centre. Hands. That’s all really. The rest is up to them.

 

Two things that are non-negotiable (apart from him having to worship Cameron)?

Never ask me to change and never expect me to choose between my friends and him. (Oh, I have a third one, never tell me to ‘just get a babysitter’…if you say that to me, I’ll get you a babysitter, and stay home with Cam quite happily). Oh, and I’m not sure about the worshipping. He can totally worship me, though J…and completely accept that he will become a human jungle gym for Cameron once he gets lucky enough to meet her. I’m very, very strict about that – nobody meets my kid (friends, romances, anyone) until they have proven themselves very worthy.

On randomness

What hand cream do you use?

Right now, I’m using something with coconut in. And it rocks. J

CD playing in your car/at work?

Katy Perry. Alanis Morissette. The Deftones. Generally on repeat. These are very therapeutic.

Does your underwear match? (not your outfit necessarily but is it a matching set)

Sometimes.

When you get down time what are you most likely to be doing

Down time? What is this thing you call down time? Haha, Sleeping in and sunshine, when I can get it.

If you could walk a mile in anyone’s shoes for a day – who would it be?

Cameron’s. I want to really know how it feels to be four again!

What worries you most about the future of South Africa?

Generalising here but, people seem to have forgotten the magic that happens when you stick together. I believe all good things can happen when you work together, and not against each other. It worries me most that we’ll never truly be a united country. Everything else – crime, violence and economic woes – could be resolved, or at least minimised, if we stuck together.

What are the first 3 things on your Christmas list to Santa?

A holiday, red knee-high boots and really good hair that behaves itself without me having to do anything about it!

Photo taken by Matt Erasmus

Tags: HIV-911, Real Life, single mom