On Saturday afternoon, September 23, 2024, AWiBers attended the round table discussion on Setting Boundaries by Genet Gidey, Cataloger & Librarian at the African Union, 2024 AWiB Board Member. The session began with each person introducing themselves and why they wanted to attend the session. The majority noted that setting boundaries was a challenge and they wanted to learn how.

Genet used the analogy that boundaries are similar to doors in our lives that we leave open or closed for the different people we interact with. She explained that boundaries are the limits we set at home and at work that protect us from harm and regret. Genet asked the participants what challenges they face when they try to set boundaries. Genet as well as the participants shared personal instances of how they set boundaries and failed to set boundaries. 

Participants engaged in an assessment that helped them identify how often they are able to set boundaries in their daily lives. Finally, Genet shared how even though setting boundaries may sometimes be uncomfortable, it is an act of self love that will help us in building healthy relationships with ourselves and others around us. She concluded by noting that we can reflect on the existing boundaries we set in our lives to help us strengthen the ones we fail to set.

Major Takeaways

• Ways we can set boundaries include assertive communicator, stepping out of our comfort zone, being proactive on setting boundaries early in relationships and staying firm on your boundaries. 
• Different types of boundaries include physical, emotional, mental, time, digital, personal and professional boundaries
• Lack of healthy boundaries contributes to
• Resentment that builds over time
• Inability to be your authentic self around others
• Lack of self-respect and self-love
• Inability to set the goals you desire
• Setting boundaries may be challenging as people may test your boundaries
• Healthy boundaries come from self reflection and understanding how you wish to interact with the world 

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