Consistency is crucial and crucifixion of a career. This story is all about proving these contradictory concepts true and if it is possible to spark inspiration in you on this International Women’s Day.

For four years, I dedicated myself to a single company, steadfast in my belief that climbing the corporate ladder meant staying the course, accumulating experience, and ascending gradually.

A perfect plan of growth.

And when you have a perfect plan, it is also the time when life will throw its obnoxious tantrums

The company I had poured my efforts into underwent rapid expansion, ballooning from two branches to fifteen in just a few short years. The pace was dizzying, the growth seemingly boundless—a vertical ascent towards success.

That is the first sign I failed to take into account. The graph of success is never vertical, it is more like a heartbeat, with its peaks and valleys marking the rhythm of progress.

Vertical growth without horizontal stability is akin to building a skyscraper on a weak foundation; it may rise quickly, but its fall is inevitable.

Also people are assets. Good to Great written by Jim Collins argues that sustained corporate growth requires disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action, emphasizing the importance of consistent strategic focus and execution. The book suggests that great companies distinguish themselves by a relentless pursuit of excellence, fueled by a combination of leadership, culture, and a deep understanding of what they can be the best at.

Au contraire, the last thing on the company agenda was People – there were no performance evaluations, no performance-linked incentives, no recreational activities, and a glaring absence of documentation. Strangely, I never even received an offer letter. My promotion came as a desperate phone call: “Shanu, can you take care of faculties? I have too much on my plate.” With a simple “yes,” I found myself promoted as Faculty Head in addition to Centre Head. No formal letter, no official announcement, not even an informal acknowledgment.

This overwhelmed me

I was not looking for any appreciation, but an information dissemination is required. Imagine asking students progress reports from another branch while heading one yourself. No one would adhere.

So on a hot and brimming May morning when I reached my office and saw it had a seal from AMC, I quit. That sign was screaming at me, “Pack your bags and run.”

And I took it. It would sound silly if I said that I didn’t know about the processes happening at the HO. I was working as Center Head and even though my participation was minimal, a design by HO itself, in the HO policies I was privy to the behind-the-scenes antics transpiring at the head office.

I resigned while the company peeled off the AMC sign, like a chewing gum stuck by a naughty teenager, and ventured ahead with its day to day operations.

Obviously, I had doubts when these signs were ignored by other company heads. In fact, when I resigned, I was scorned for being negative and naive by my boss; who also rejected my resignation and asked to take a week’s off and come back.

I had different plans, however, but at a time when generative AI had devalued writing

I love writing and I took this opportunity to hunt for a writing job and compile my research into a book.

But along with those new beginnings were the marching bands of Generative AI that I heard, ignored, explored and later hated.

Sardonically, when I made the decision to reboot my career as a writer, it coincided with a time when writing opportunities became secretive and the market grew increasingly skeptical of writers.

When I started using ChatGPT, I found it quite good but at the same time, being an academic writer for four years and being a fierce editor for that long time, I found a lot of errors in coherence, tone and lexical resources. Strangely, I found that even when the syntax was grammatically correct, it held no meaning at all. It was déjà vu. My students do exactly the same thing.

I authored blogs both using Generative AI and without it, publishing them all on my website to gauge their impact. After a month, I analyzed the results and concluded that further refinement in the Generative AI technology was needed, reassuring myself of job security.

As I began writing my book, I simultaneously applied to several companies for writing positions. However, I faced difficulties securing even a single task, resulting in a deluge of rejection emails flooding my inbox.

Fewer companies that assigned me tasks and conducted interviews offered me significantly lower compensation, underestimating the value of writing in light of Generative AI advancements. Writing was perceived as requiring minimal effort, diminishing its status as a scholarly skill.

A lack of a personal brand at this time led to a lack of a job

It was such a disastrous August. I have never thought my lack of personal brand will affect me so much. Had I worked more proficiently on brand building during my tenure as center head, because believe me I have so many tales to share, I think I would have better chances of getting an offer at a better remuneration. But my story is that first I left my full time well paying job thinking that the company was about to collapse and pursued a profession that was about to reinvent itself.

I sat there wallowing in grief. The grief quadrupled when I heard that my past organization has opened one more branch. I was totally wrong about the company and about myself.

So I cried for days, roamed my house in pajamas, with unruly hair and absolutely no sense of self. My husband tried to distract me, my kids tried to make me laugh. But I was depressed. This went on for some time. But rains are magical; they have the power to bring about change. I love drizzle, and I love it even more now because it brought about a whole paradigm shift.

An idea struck me then

During a rather rainy midnight, when sleep was elusive, an idea struck me. I still ponder why ideas are more active past midnight. At first, I thought it was just another lame strategy my brain had designed for my own downfall.

I started recalling all the advice I have given to students about how negativity and obnoxious positivity both can lead to downfall, emphasizing that decisions should be made based on facts and figures rather than fear and instincts. I brushed off the idea of writing a book on Generative AI.

I also don’t recall a time when my dear brain ever followed the decisions I had made with it. So, by the time sunlight tinted my window panes, I had a complete idea of what needed to be done. That day, I sat down and wrote as many articles on as many topics as possible using generative AI. I applied to many companies for one reason: they would assign tasks, and I would use generative AI to understand how to write them.

It was September when I began using Generative AI extensively to comprehend its working style, and that’s when this peculiar idea emerged. By December, I had developed 16 rubrics for editing generative AI content to make it more compelling.

How to Edit Generative AI Content

In January, the editing process was completed, and by the end of the month, I published How to Edit Generative AI Content. I felt immensely proud of having written this book. It quickly rose to the top spot in the Editing of Generative AI content category, demonstrating my ability to derive success from something that was initially meant to undermine me. This achievement filled me with confidence and motivated me to continue my efforts.

The book enjoyed immediate success, reaching #1 and securing a place on the bestseller list.

Additionally, January confirmed my suspicions about my former company. To my vindication, the company and all its 16 branches closed down. I can confidently say that I take pride in having foreseen this outcome.

I have also decided to pursue opportunities as a Center Head or in a similar capacity within the education industry. After searching diligently, my efforts paid off when I received an offer from another company to work as an Academic Head. While the position is located far from my home, the company is reputable, and, more importantly, the people are exceptional.

From this journey, one powerful lesson emerges: resilience. Despite facing setbacks, doubts, and unexpected challenges, I never lost sight of my goals. I would dare say, I demonstrated the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. My story teaches me that consistency in pursuing our dreams is crucial, but so is the ability to pivot when necessary and embrace change.

To all the women out there, remember that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities for growth. Stay resilient, stay determined, and trust in your ability to overcome obstacles. Keep striving for your dreams, even when the path seems uncertain. Your perseverance will lead you to success, just as it did for me.

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Image source: by Nicola Katie Free for Canva Pro and book cover Amazon

As we continue to celebrate women in the board rooms bringing in fresh perspective and empathy in business strategy, it is also time to celebrate women on the shopfloor bringing in stability and enthusiasm. Yes! A section that has remained off-limits for women is also lowering its guard gradually as Indian companies widen gender inclusivity to include blue-collar jobs.

Whether on the assembly line at Swaraj Tractors, MG Automobiles, or Tata Motors, women are proving their capabilities and challenging gender stereotypes. It is heartening and encouraging that employers are committed to power this momentum and the central policymakers are strengthening the initiatives by providing flexibility.

I quote from an article in The Sunday Tribune dated, 28 January 2024. Gayatri Bhoi, India’s first woman manual says that she stepped out of her home for the first time in her life driven by circumstances. The most significant change for her was the freedom to dress as she wished to. It allows her to showcase her skills while being financially independent.

Women like Gayatri become role models, paving the way, and etching a circle of influence that continues to widen.

What has changed?

Manufacturing and the shop floor have been considered the male bastion for many years. With increasing access to education and opportunities, women are moving out of stereotypical roles. From an organizational perspective, an increasingly competitive workforce with skills to take on equally competitive roles, inducting more women on the shop floor is to widen the talent pool. Diverse talent pools are now a necessity not just for bringing in inclusive recruitment policies but also for ensuring recruitment costs do not weigh down on the overall staffing budgets. Organizations today are looking at investing in employee growth, inclusivity, and engagement as focus areas. So, women form the ideal, untapped gold mine of fresh talent, unique skills, abilities, and perspective.

All initiatives for social inclusion have to begin with a shift in mindset. The shop floor provides a controlled environment where this change can begin. Organizations therefore are adopting this social inclusion as a corporate responsibility and are creating support through defined policy guidelines.

What is the Value Addition?

For an automobile major like MG, women account for 34 percent of their overall workforce. Further, it is heartening to read that Tata Motors has a dedicated assembly line at their Pune plant for passenger vehicles which employs 100 percent women. With such strong industry benchmarks, many other players are taking on this endeavor.

Women stand out on the shop floor as they bring unique skills and perspectives. Their proficiency in handling parts and attention to detail is commendable. Values like commitment and honesty make them valuable team members as they take ownership of work and teams. The manufacturing industry demands precision and adherence to quality norms. Women are proving to be great assets here.

With improving gender ratios, organizations are keen to use this as an employee development tool by creating a growth pipeline. Lower attrition in segments where the majority workforce is women is another important consideration and a value addition to the bottom line. When measuring overall productivity, attrition refill costs form an important factor. The trend of women-focused hiring is gaining momentum in the mid-size units too, especially those manufacturing small parts or goods. The prowess to multi-skill makes women the right fit in this segment where optimization of every resource including headcount is crucial to overall returns.

What are the Stumbling Blocks?

I define them as stumbling blocks because they are work in progress. Foremost we have to stop terming them as initiatives and accept them as culture. Initiatives can be for a limited period whereas culture is what becomes inherent with practice. Mindset evolution will continue as we accept inclusion as culture. Some of the important considerations to ensure women continue to feel that they belong cannot be overlooked. These include –

1. Hygiene and sanitation
2. Changing/locker rooms accessible from the shop floor
3. Provision of safety equipment in the right sizes.
4. Safety measures especially where there is night shift working
5. Women doctor on call/nurse

The above cannot be overlooked as they go a long way in the required Culture Building.

How is the Central Government Supporting?

The central government continues to look at creating flexibility around legislation to enhance the participation of women in the workforce. Policy changes are being driven with the focus and message that when women work, it is a step toward prosperity. These include-

1. Enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.
2. Provision for mandatory creche facility in establishments employing 50 or more women.
3. Introduction of the Wage Code in 2019 that mandates that there is no discrimination among employees based on gender in work of a similar nature.
4. To enhance employability the government is providing training to them through a network of Women Industrial Training Institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes and Regional Vocational Training Institutes.

The tide has turned. Women are aware, ambitious, and eager to chart the unknown territories. As humans, we are evolving and this evolution has to be unilateral. As Hellen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little, Together we can do so much.” It is now time to contribute to the culture building, to begin inclusion right from where we as individuals stand.

Research Sources- The Tribune (Chandigarh Edition)/Internet Sources

Trigger warning: This speaks of sexual assault, rape culture, and gangrape, and may be triggering for survivors.

Yet another horrific sexual assault has been committed against a woman in India. As always, men are advising women on how they should take adequate precautions. Adequate precautions? Do men have any idea what women go through everyday?

First answer these simple questions

Let’s ask a couple of questions to understand how women and men navigate the world differently, shall we?

What do you do when your 2-wheeler stalls on a highway at 9 pm?

If you are male, you walk to the nearest toll booth and try to find someone who can help you fix it the bike. Or you stand on the road, thumb a lift, and return the next day with a mechanic.
If you are female, you wonder how to save yourself from rape. [Disha, a veterinary doctor from Hyderabad couldn’t save herself].

When you are booking a hotel room in a place you are unfamiliar with what do you look for?

If you are male, you look at photographs of the rooms. You check if there is a pool or a gymnasium. You read reviews of the food. You check out the view and the location.
If you are female, you go through reviews from other women to see if the place is safe.

When you want to go for a run, what do you do?

If you are male, you wear your running clothes, lace up your shoes, turn on the Garmin and go.
If you are female, you check if there are people about, you send a quick WA message to your friends to see if anyone wants to run with you, you pull up an emergency contact number on your phone, you hold your housekey in your fist so you can use that as a weapon if needed. And then you decide running on a treadmill is safer than running on the road.

No, men have no idea how much women need to think before doing things that they take for granted. Yet, women know it is never enough.

Women are always scared

When we wave goodbye to a friend at the metro station, we say, “text me when you get home.” And if she doesn’t, we start worrying and call to check if she reached home safe. And the moment she picks up the phone we say, “next time you forget to text after reaching home, I will kill you.”

When we take a cab from the airport late at night, we pretend to take a photograph of the licence plate and send it to a friend, so the driver knows there is a record of us being in his cab. When we find the driver checking the mirror too often, we often dial a number and have imaginary conversations with people. Sometimes, we even carry a hot beverage with us, so we can throw it on the face of the driver if things get out of hand.

Our family is scared for us

The last time I visited my father in law, he yelled at me because I chose to walk home from the metro station at 8:30 pm. “If you had called me, I would have driven down and picked you up”, he told me. He was nearing 80 then, but he was willing to get out of his warm home in a Delhi winter because he was terrified of what could happen to a woman walking 600 meters through a residential area.

We worry for our colleagues

When my female colleagues travelled alone by overnight train, I would call them before going to bed so my phone number would be at the top of the call list in case something happened to them. I never even thought of doing that for my male colleagues.

Women choose not to do things that men take for granted

We never step out alone for a smoke. We take someone with us because we are scared.

We are terrified of being the only female on a train or bus. Paradoxically, we are even more scared of being the only woman in a ladies compartment because what if a man jumps on at the last moment and does something to us?

Men never know the fear we constantly live with

They can never understand what we go through every day while just going about our daily life. They will never know that we are constantly in fight or flight mode, and the toll it takes on our physical and mental health.

So, dear men, please don’t tell us to “take precautions”- we already do. If you want to help, be better allies. Listen to women when they articulate their concerns regarding women’s safety. Explain to other men why they should change certain behaviours. Don’t be a silent observer when a woman is in trouble and is appealing for help. Teach your sons and nephews, brothers and cousins, father and uncles the meaning of consent. Understand consent yourself.

Thank you.

YOU’RE WORTH IT

Do you remember the L’Oréal Advertisement of the 90s that showed gorgeous Global Supermodels like Cindy Crawford proclaiming-“You’re Worth It”? It Hardly registered much to me except that it targeted high-income women who could afford these expensive products and were worthy of them.

OVER THE YEARS, I’VE TRULY UNDERSTOOD THE MEANING OF THIS PHRASE AND HAVE MADE IT MY LIFE MANTRA. Kante Winslet, Oprah Winfrey, and many other powerful women swear by it. This International Women’s Day, I proclaim to every woman and child that “You Are Worth It!” Believe in yourself and your dreams. Only, if you believe in YOU others will be too. To each little girl, I advise her to remember her worth. Every woman must be aware of her identity and face her foes with confidence. Friends are few and foes are many. Everywhere you will find them. Whether you choose to work or stay at home, whether you like to party or enjoy solitude, each choice is your own. Own your choices and don’t be afraid to stand up for them.

The world that we live in today is a never-ending sea of comparisons. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have affected our lives badly. Human Self-worth and happiness depend on the number of Instagram followers we have. Teen depression caused by social media pressure is a global crisis. Anxiety and behavioural disorders in kids as young as seven are common. Lack of confidence and self-worth are the reasons for this. If we teach our kids (girls and boys) that they are worthy of themselves and must accept themselves as they are, we can bring up more confident and settled children. These kids will not bend to pressure and will forge ahead irrespective of peer comparison and social media.

Kids have groups while growing up. “This is our gang- you cannot be part of it. I’m the leader of this girl group, and I’m prettier than all of you.“ It’s a common part of childhood. Adult Group Culture has been created by the powerful tool- WhatsApp. If you get up in the morning and fail to check your WhatsApp chats, it’s impossible to go through the day. Most people are part of several different WhatsApp groups. If you are noticed interacting with someone outside your group it raises eyebrows. “Are you no longer hanging out with our group but going with them? You are now part of their group?” These are common queries from people. What is lacking is common sense. Being a vibrant person with varied interests, I connect with many. THAT LEAVES MANY JEALOUS AND UNHAPPY. Should I bow down and stay or behave as expected? I prefer to follow my heart and be the way I am. Some might not be comfortable with me, so from there, I choose to leave.

In this enormous world, every girl needs her corner. Keep searching till you find yours. It is there- your place under the Sun. It’s yours to belong to, claim, and leave as your legacy. Don’t doubt it, darling, it’s true, because “You’re Worth It!”

After a two-year gap, I returned to my village to visit my aging parents in 2021. The shadow of COVID-19 loomed large, with its crisis far from over. The virus continued to ensnare people, leaving trails of illness and grief in its wake. The lockdown’s grip, though loosened, had not fully released us. With all the lingering restrictions, life persisted, a test of our resilience in the face of ongoing adversity.

Girls bore the brunt of education going online

Sadly, educational institutions, once bustling with life, now stood eerily silent, their doors closed, their classrooms empty. The digital divide became palpable as only a handful of children, nestled in remote villages, accessed education through the dim glow of online classes. Tragically, this privilege was not universal, not available in my village.

It was the girls, the aspiring young minds, who bore the brunt of this disparity. In homes where a single smartphone was the only window to a world of knowledge, it was invariably handed to the boys, leaving their sisters to languish in the shadows of forgotten dreams. Household chores became their new curriculum, as the hope of academic pursuit faded into a distant memory. Not one family had the luxury of a personal computer, let alone a laptop, in my village. The bitter truth that some girls surrendered their educational aspirations forever. It was a stark reminder of a world where opportunities are not just scarce but selectively bestowed.

Before I share my story, allow me to paint a picture of my village, a place where the echoes of tradition still resonate amid modern challenges.

My village, hidden from the city’s hustle, epitomizes scarcity and simplicity, which masks a struggle beneath. It’s a place of joyous children, yet their path to education is challenging from the start. Lacking even an elementary school, and certainly no college. The only source of formal education is a single government high school.

In their tender years, the children of my village are homeschooled, their minds kindled with knowledge within the four walls of their humble abodes. As they grow, they step into high school, their first and only encounter with institutional education before they are of age to venture into the wider world for college.

The nearest city to my village, Darbhanga, is recognized as a center for pursuing higher education. Despite being only 52 kilometers away, the journey is considerably complicated due to the poor condition of the transportation system. What should ideally be a two-hour trip often extends to over three hours, becoming an exhausting endeavor. This situation was further aggravated by the restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the travel not only longer but also more perilous.

For the girls of my village, this journey is not just measured in kilometers, but in the weight of societal norms and familial responsibilities. Pursuing college education is a dream tangled in the complexity of needing a male family member’s accompaniment for the daily commute—a necessity rooted in concern, yet steeped in deep-seated gender biases. Our men, primarily farmers, are the custodians of our fields, their presence vital under the relentless sun. To ask them to forsake their duties for the entirety of a day is a request few families can afford, and even fewer are willing to consider for their daughters.

This reality casts a long shadow over the aspirations of our young girls. Post tenth grade, their path to further education becomes not just a road less traveled, but a road nearly impossible to tread. This is a silent battle, fought in the heart of every girl who dares to dream beyond the confines of our village—a battle for the right to learn, to grow, and to soar.

In my village, I observed a profound contrast. There I was with my two teenage daughters, each equipped with the latest gadgets and a wealth of books, symbolic of their privileged access to education. In stark contrast, I saw village girls wandering around, their hands and minds empty of the educational resources so abruptly snatched away by the COVID-19 pandemic. This scene deeply saddened me, highlighting the cruel reality that mere location and timing could create such vast differences in the lives of these young village girls compared to my own daughters.

However, hope and unity found a way. My daughters began inviting the village girls to our home, transforming it into a communal classroom. They shared their laptops and smartphones, orchestrating learning sessions throughout the day: some in the morning’s freshness, others in the afternoon, and a few in the calm of the evening. This arrangement blossomed without complaint, fueled by a shared desire for knowledge.

The journey was more than just the sharing of technology; it was a vivid display of the universal yearning for education. Witnessing these girls come together in their pursuit of learning was heartening. It became a vivid illustration of resilience and optimism, a hope for a future where education is accessible to all, irrespective of their gender.

In that defining moment, a resolve ignited within me – a commitment to make a difference, no matter the scale. The thought that even a single girl’s educational journey could be uplifted by my actions was profoundly motivating. Determined to turn this vision into reality, I bought five Chromebooks and a curated selection of books spanning mathematics, science, and English literature, catering to grades 2 through 9.

In my village, like in many others, there exists a communal space known as the Dallan in most houses. My house also has one. This large, welcoming room adjacent to the main house serves as the village’s heartbeat. Here, conversations flow from the mundane to the profound – discussions on crops, debates on politics, and current affairs. It is a place where the pulse of the village is felt.

With a deep sense of purpose, I approached my father with a request that would transform a part of our Dallan. I envisioned it not just as a space for communal dialogue, but as a beacon of learning and opportunity. Under his approval, I set to work, creating a dedicated computer room for the village girls. I meticulously interconnected the Chromebooks with the internet through a router and WiFi, turning this traditional space into a hub of digital learning. This initiative was more than just providing tools; it was about breaking barriers and building bridges towards a future where education is accessible to every girl, transforming the Dallan into a crucible of knowledge and empowerment.

Tears welled in my eyes each day as I watched village girls enter our Dallan, eager to use the internet for their online classes. With only five Chromebooks at my disposal, it felt like a mere drop in the ocean. Yet, these girls shared the resources with remarkable determination, taking turns to complete their schoolwork. Their fervent desire for education, for discovering something new each day, was truly inspiring.

The girls’ enthusiasm for learning inspired me to expand our resources. I transformed three large shelves, previously used by my parents to store seeds and farming tools, into a mini-library beside the Chromebooks in the Dallan. I bought a collection of books on various subjects and enlisted my father, an avid reader himself, as the librarian. He meticulously recorded each book borrowed by the girls in a register.

Additionally, I taught some of the older girls essential technical skills. They learned to troubleshoot network and WiFi issues, download apps, and use basic Microsoft Office tools such as Google Docs and Excel. They were quick learners, eagerly absorbing every bit of knowledge I shared, hungry for more.

Two months flew by, marking the end of my vacation and the reopening of my daughters’ school. It was time for me to return to the USA. I left with a heart full of dual satisfaction: the joy of time spent with my aging parents and the fulfillment of contributing to my community, especially those often overlooked by society.

The smiles on those young faces were easy to bring, yet so powerful and inspiring. That inspiration hasn’t faded; even after three years, I continue to support the computer and book library for girls in my village. Every couple of months, I send a package of books through Amazon.in. And whenever I visit, one of my suitcases is packed with interesting, handpicked books unavailable in India. This simple act has blossomed into not just a duty, but a passion that fills me with immense joy.

Inspired by my dedication, others in the community have stepped forward to enrich our village library. Affluent families have generously donated books and crucial supplies like whiteboards and notebooks. Additionally, knowledgeable young men have volunteered, offering their expertise to assist the girls with computer-related challenges, further nurturing this growing hub of learning and empowerment.

Each book opened and every challenge conquered mark a step towards a brighter future for these girls and my village.

I believe that any change to really make a difference in the daily lives of all of us, each one has to do their bit. Of course, the big picture – policy changes, laws, and their implementation at a higher level is crucial. But unless we each do what we can, no change will be really effective and lasting.

Why am I talking about this?

It’s Women’s History Month, and in a week’s time, we have International Women’s Day 2024 – IWD 2024. The theme this year, according to the UN is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’.

While this has been interpreted mostly in terms of financial investment in women at work, entrepreneurship, etc., I would like to take a more holistic view of it.

The big picture I spoke about has many elements – like investing in better education, better nutrition, better healthcare – both mental and physical – for girls, maternal health care, workplace policies, better laws that recognize equity in betterment of women and their implementation, etc.

You, me – we all can do our bit

But also as I said, each one of us can make a difference in any way we can, using our social capital and privilege to #InvestInWomen.

Personally, I have done my bit as a parent, raising a confident, aware, empathetic child, who is inclusive in her beliefs and behaviour. I have supported the education of my domestic help’s daughters. I have spoken up whenever I could. I have ensured that the voices of women can reach others more effectively through my work.

Every little bit will certainly help accelerate progress, and normalise supporting women.

What is YOUR story?

Have you made a difference in the life of one, a few, or many women? What is YOUR bit towards investing in women for accelerating progress? In personal life or at work? How have YOU changed lives for the better?

• It could be as a parent
• Or as a woman who supports other women
• Or at your work by mentoring other younger women
• Or helping other women at work who may be facing challenges
• Or by driving inclusive policies in your workplace
• Or speaking up in case of workplace misogyny and educating others about inclusive practices

There’s so much you can do!

If any of this speaks to you and you have a story, this is for you.

Why should I send in my story?

As a woman, you have a right to have your story heard. A story that tells us about your endeavour to #InvestInWomen, really making a difference. It’s wonderful for every one of us to read and get inspired by what other women have done.

How do I share my story?

You could tell us your story as a personal account, or as a fictionalised version, between 500 to 1500 words. If you have any pics you want us to use in the piece, please email them to us at [email protected] once you have submitted your story. Put #InvestInWomen in the email subject line.

Log into your contributor dashboard and upload it with the hashtag #InvestInWomen alongside your title. If you aren’t yet a contributor with Women’s Web, it’s easy to register here.

Some important rules

~ This should be a previously unpublished story.

~ Once published on Women’s Web, you may not publish it in whole elsewhere, except for an excerpt with a link back to us. They will remain exclusive to us.

Is there a deadline?

Though there is no specific deadline, start writing today, and send in your stories at the earliest. We will begin publishing your stories as they come in, and we will publish them through March.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and upload your story. We’re looking forward to it.

Image source: by Nikada from Getty Images Signature Free for Canva Pro

On February 28 2024, Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom 18 Media Private Limited, and The Walt Disney Company announced a joint venture (JV) to combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India and create a media juggernaut in India. Valued at around $8.5 billion, the JV will combine ~120 TV channels across different content genres and bring iconic media assets like Colors, StarPlus, Disney HotStar and Jio Cinema under one umbrella. With a viewership of more than 750 million and combined revenues of more than INR 25000 crore, the entity will be the largest media company in India.

The magnitude of the numbers is undeniable, but hidden within the fine print is another significant revelation, a not insignificant development that has been overshadowed by the deal economics.

The soon-to-be largest media conglomerate in India will be headed by a woman; Nita Ambani will chair the new company’s board of directors.

As we approach International Women’s Day, this decision holds significant implications for working women across India. With women still underrepresented in leadership roles across various industries, Ambani’s appointment at the helm is a milestone in the ongoing journey towards gender equality and empowerment in the Indian workforce.

Cracking the glass ceiling

Women occupying top positions in conglomerates remain a rare sight in India. Nita Ambani’s appointment represents a breakthrough in the landscape, challenging entrenched gender norms and making a little crack in that proverbial glass ceiling.

Low labour force participation of women in India is a well-known fact, and the numbers drastically decreases as one progressively moves from the top from the entry-level to the board level. While women represent 27 per cent of the overall labour force, a mere 10 per cent of executive directors on the top 200 listed companies are women, despite growing efforts by corporate India to increase diversity in the workforce.

Seen against this background, Nita Ambani’s journey and this leadership role in a large Indian company sets a precedent for other working women, sending a powerful message that gender is no longer a barrier to one’s ascent to leadership positions in for-profit roles. It serves as a beacon of hope for countless aspiring female leaders, inspiring them to pursue their professional ambitions unabashedly and assert their rightful place in the upper echelons of corporate India.

Nita Ambani’s professional journey shows the rewards of hard work

The appointment is noteworthy because of Nita Ambani’s professional trajectory.

A school teacher before she married the current chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, Nita Ambani’s diverse array of leadership experiences spans philanthropy and community development (Reliance Foundation), sports management (Mumbai Indians), education (Dhirubhai Ambani International School) and cultural outreach (Nita Mukesh Ambani cultural centre).

While her previous roles have made her a visible figure in India’s landscape – beyond being the wife of the head and mother of the scions of India’s largest company by market capitalisation – her appointment as chairperson of the merged entity marks her first foray into hardcore corporate leadership. This transition from philanthropy to corporate stewardship embodies the ethos of resilience, adaptability and perseverance. It also reinforces the notion of hard work getting rewarded, sooner or later, inspiring confidence and ambition in those who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

Yes, there’s the question of Nita Ambani’s ‘privilege’, but there’s also an opportunity for meaningful change

One might raise a question regarding Nita Ambani’s appointment: how much of her success can be attributed to her ‘privilege’ as the wife of one of the wealthiest individuals in the country, and how much to merit?

There are multiple perspectives on any situation. While Ambani’s connection to her husband – one of the richest men in the world – is undeniable, it’s also crucial to appreciate the broader context. Most of the corporate leaders in India are married, and despite that, few wives find themselves in comparable leadership positions within boardrooms, in equal positions as their husbands. In Ambani’s case too, she got the charge of a for-profit entity after several years of overseeing RIL’s corporate social responsibility and non-corporate pursuits.

It is essential to separate the issues of family connections and gender diversity. While Ambani’s appointment may raise questions about the former, it also highlights the opportunity for meaningful change in the latter. There’s a silver lining when a woman, especially a married woman with high-profile family responsibilities, gets a prominent leadership role at the inception of a significant corporate entity – an example that challenges conventional norms and opens doors for future generations of women, especially in the top levels of leadership.

Paving the way for greater diversity and inclusivity

In traditionally male-dominated workplaces, pervasive stereotypes about women’s capabilities persist despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Nita Ambani’s appointment represents a subtle shift in this narrative. By assuming a leadership role in one of India’s most prominent conglomerates, Ambani reinforces that women are equally suited for positions of power and influence, thereby paving the way for greater gender diversity and inclusivity in the corporate world.

As women continue to ascend to leadership positions across various sectors, the narrative surrounding women in the workplace evolves from one of limitation to that of boundless potential.

Ambani’s visible leadership role provides a powerful counter-narrative to prevailing stereotypes, inspiring countless women to pursue their professional aspirations while balancing their family commitments with courage and conviction.

Role model for working women aspiring to reach the top

The prominent leadership role serves as a powerful source of inspiration for working women across India, offering a tangible example of what is possible when talent, determination and opportunity converge.

Ambani’s visibility in the public eye amplifies her impact as a role model, providing young women with a relatable figure to emulate and aspire towards. By showcasing the possibilities for women in leadership, Ambani empowers a new generation of female professionals to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and pursue their dreams with unwavering resolve.

Positive trickle-down effect when leaders lead by example

The appointment also has the potential to catalyse a trickle-down effect across India’s corporate landscape. Ambani’s leadership role in a new and large organisation undergoing a significant transition in the aftermath of the JV formation sends a clear signal to other organisations about the value of gender diversity and inclusivity in driving success.

By breaking through barriers and assuming a position of authority, Ambani paves the way for other women to follow suit, challenging traditional notions of leadership and reshaping the corporate paradigm.

Furthermore, Ambani’s role delivers a compelling message for organisations seeking to enhance their diversity initiatives and create more inclusive workplaces – diversity and inclusion start from the top. The DE&I initiatives at companies will succeed when leaders lead by example.

As companies recognise the tangible benefits of gender-balanced leadership teams, they may be inspired to prioritise the advancement of women into executive roles, fostering a culture of equality and opportunity at all levels of the organisational hierarchy.

Companies need to address the pipeline problem for more such success stories

Nita Ambani’s appointment to the new role doesn’t deviate from the broader need of India Inc. and policymakers to address the pipeline problem facing women professionals in India.

Despite significant progress in recent years, women continue encountering systemic barriers to career advancement, including limited access to mentorship, leadership development programs, and networking opportunities. To cultivate a robust pipeline of women leaders, organisations must invest in initiatives to nurture female talent and provide them with the support and resources needed to thrive in the workplace.

Implementation of mentorship programs pairing aspiring female professionals with seasoned industry veterans, establishing leadership development programs specifically designed for women to equip them with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in senior management positions, and creating supportive environments that value diversity and inclusion are essential for retaining and advancing women in the workforce.

By fostering a culture of respect, equity, and opportunity, workplaces can attract and retain top female talent, ensuring that women thrive and succeed.

While there are visible cracks in the glass ceiling, more needs to be done to shatter it

Nita Ambani’s appointment as chairperson of the merged Viacom-Disney Star entity represents a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality and empowerment in India, especially at the top level. Her ascension to a leadership role in a sizeable for-profit entity serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for working women aspiring to be leaders in their sphere of work, demonstrating that the glass ceiling is not insurmountable.

Ambani’s appointment also underscores the importance of creating opportunities for women to succeed in corporate leadership roles and the need to address the systemic barriers that hinder their advancement. By walking the talk on gender diversity and inclusivity at the top level, organisations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive sustainable business growth.

As India continues on its path towards economic development and progress, empowering women to lead and succeed will be essential for building a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Wait a minute. The  title  is a tad baffling. We are talking of a Bangla flick, not  Hindi or Urdu one as the name  suggests.

This  is  a film  which   you are  unlikely  to forget in  a hurry. For it is a reflection   of the  day to day lives of  ordinary folks.    Guldasta  is  out and out a women-centric film, interpolating lives of three lead female characters. Srirupa, Renu and Dolly constitute the trio whose journey of life is depicted in this gripping  movie  The realities of life faced by these three women, each of whom wallow  in  their own private hell, whose lives are gripped  by  overpowering emotions,is bound to touch your soul.

The lead character of the  film is a low profile saleswoman who  goes by the  name  of Dolly Bagree (Swastika Mukherjee). It is her cheerful  demeanour, gift  of  gab plus cordial interactions with the other two  ladies  that forms the  crux  of this movie. Srirupa(Arpita Chatterjee) is a house-wife who lacks confidence to  combat  her spouse with the  truth  regarding her health issues. Instead she remains cold and meekly submits to her partner  while having sex. Her   disguntled husband (Ishan Mazumdar) ets attracted to a younger colleague (Anuradha Mukherjee). The third woman Renu (Debjani Chatterjee) has  stable  relation  with her husband (AbhijitGuha)  who is posted  in another  town  but visits pretty often. But Renu’s   bête noir  is her nagging mother-in-law. As  if this was not  enough her son is a  drug addict. He suffers from mood swings and is highly incommunicative.

Now it is against this  troubled backdrop  that Dolly Bagri enters their  lives,  peddling cosmetics and beauty aids  et al. sell products of her company. In course of time, with  utmost symapathy  and concern, she solves the problems of both Srirupa and Renu inspiring both to pick up the threads  of life  once again. Dolly instills confidence in Srirupa who summons  courage to face her husband. Moreover she helps Srirupa to start dancing again. When Renu becomes critically ill because of her son’s waywardness, it is Dolly who helps the youth to return to the mainstream.

Sadly enough, beneath Dolly’s vivacious nature  joie-de-vivre and  bonhomie there is  hidden a sordid  tale. All along Dolly had been projecting    harmonious, positive picture of her domestic life. The grim  reality surfaces when  all of a sudden  Dolly goes missing  and the  two  women go looking for  her. The  duo discover to  their  horror that her husband is bed ridden and her daughter-in-law perpetually abuses her. Morever  the   family resides  a slum  amidst filth and squalor.

And yet it is heartening to note that  despite her misery Dolly adopts a  positive  attitude to life  and inspires people. As the  movie draws to a  close we see how  on the 25th of  December Dolly  arrives at  Srirupa’s home with a bouquet of flowers to wish her on her birthday!

Believe it or not  this is a page torn  from the book of our daily  lives  .  I  have  a  sister in law  by the  name of Mallika while  viewing the flick onscreen,  I was  bemused to discover that   Dolly  was  her splitting  image  Lying  glibly   ,with elan  a hyperactive imaginations she  smoothly worms her way   into  the hearts of  her  clients. Yes she  heads the marketing  division   of  a high profile   private company!!

This is the story of a woman who, to move herself and her family forward, exerted tremendous effort and is now progressing towards a strong future. Narmdi Ojha is a woman from the small village of Ashoknagar in Madhya Pradesh. She was troubled by the sorrow of not being able to fulfill the needs of her family and was also concerned about how she would improve the future for herself and her children.

Women do not easily give up and can often do much for the happiness of their families. This is especially so for rural women in India, as challenges in villages are much more than in cities, making progress more difficult, and this quality that much more critical.

Therefore, our government constantly strives to empower rural women. Whenever initiatives are taken, special attention is given to the empowerment of rural women. This has become a priority for the government. However, regardless of these efforts, it ultimately rests in the hands of women to progress.

Working hard to improve the future of the family

Narmdi Ojha had been searching for work for the past four years, but nothing seemed to be successful. It felt as if she was engulfed in difficulties, with no clear path to escape. Living in a small village with limited opportunities and financial resources, she struggled to make a living. Despite having a small piece of land, it did not yield significant benefits.

Narmdi Ojha shares her story, saying, “There are 11 members in my in-laws’ family. Although we had 10 acres of land in our name, we were dependent on rainfall for every crop. Even when there was rainfall, the crops were not thriving properly. The failure of the crops completely hindered our livelihood.”

Establishing a Self Help Group in the village

Narmdi was troubled, but she knew that the dark clouds of difficulties do not stay forever. One day, the rays of hope from the sun would break through these clouds, and indeed, that’s what happened. Narmdi realized that she could form a small group with women like her and, together, they could pool money to progress.

Narmdi Ojha with members of the self help group

Without wasting any time, Narmdi formed a group and named it ‘Radhe Radhe Self-Help Group’. Although the group was established, the question remained on how to gather enough funds.

In the beginning, Narmdi decided to start her venture with a small loan

A loan of 5,000 was sufficient for Narmdi to boost her self-confidence. She understood how to advance her work. Subsequently, she took various loans from the cluster-level federation. Under government training, she learned sewing and never looked back. She initiated this with one group, but today she has four such groups.

Narmdi Ojha joyfully shares, “I initially received a loan of 5,000 from the revolving fund, and then I took loans from Ajeevika Mission in various ways. I also established irrigation facilities in my fields to reduce dependency on rainfall. Along with this, I opened a glass and aluminium shop in Ashoknagar. Now, all these efforts have brought my income to approximately 40 to 45 thousand.”

Narmdi Ojha has become so successful that today she is the Chairperson of the Cluster Level Federation (CLF), a testament to her hard work.

Becoming a self-made woman providing employment to 500 women

Narmdi Ojha from Ashoknagar has achieved the status of being a self-made millionaire through hard work. Alongside her personal success, she has motivated and connected over 500 women in her cluster to new employment opportunities. Before joining the group, Narmdi Ojha had faced financial difficulties. However, she understood that facing challenges does not mean giving up.

Narmdi realized that understanding the work thoroughly is crucial for doing it well. Therefore, she showed dependence on training, and today, she has become a millionaire. Narmdi Ojha is inspiring countless women at every turn with her success story.

Ravivar Vichar has made a commitment to bring forth the stories of every such woman and make us aware of their lives.

In this WomensWebXMahilaMoney impact series, we bring you entrepreneurs like Narmdi Ojha who had not just the ambition to grow, but took the steps needed to bring their dreams to fruition. Apply for a loan of up to 25 lakhs to fuel your business growth by downloading the Mahila Money App on Google Playstore or visiting the website here. 

When it comes to relationships between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, there can be disagreements on so many opinions. Some manipulations are quite common, but at the same time, she can be narcissistic. She will be a centre of attention by showing off in front of all the family members by being friendly and loving but at some point you will realize that she has another face too – the judgmental, negative and manipulative behaviour.

I was shocked with one incident in my neighborhood when I thought the grass was greener on the other side. The aunty was so loving and kind to her daughter-in-law. But she was a tough woman to live with. When the daughter-in-law told me she disliked her, I got so disappointed. It seems there is always a clash of opinions between them.

A toxic mother in law

At first, I felt I, too, have these issues, but later on, I understood that there are toxic mother-in-laws.

These mothers-in-law will make you walk on egg shells, drain your energy, and always keep finding fault however you try to please them. They will criticize and judge you badly. From your appearance, your home making skills, your career choice, and even parenting skills.

They appear to be nice in front of the public, but they will belittle you in front of your husband and children, making you feel alienated. Society will see them as a kind and loving mother, but not for their daughter-in-law. She will even make sure that the neighbours are happy but not the daughter-in-law.

Her MIL wouldn’t let her complete her studies, or earn

Recently, my friend had an issue with her mother-in-law. She wanted to complete her MBA. final year. On the day of her exam, her mother-in-law purposely invited relatives and told her not to leave the house. This kind of thing didn’t happen just once. It happened many times. After that, she got fed up with studying and decided to quit.

Today, she has no financial support, her husband keeps switching jobs, and she loses the freedom to do what she likes. If she tries to buy anything for herself, her mother-in-law who told her not to study is now shouting at her “How dare you waste my son’s money?”

Whenever I try to encourage her to study and finish her MBA, she gets sad and tells me, “I am only going to see an MBA degree in my dreams.” Like her, how many talented women must be out there who have lost hopes in pursuing their education or career?

Her mother-in-law has full control over the finances

She was not allowing my friend to keep pocket money for herself, and she couldn’t save money for the future or for emergency situations. Her mother-in-law used her son’s salary to control buying only what she wants and only to entertain her friends and relatives. With no money to spare for herself and no say in the matter, my friend was depressed and was not being able to enjoy anything.

Very few lucky women out there have the choice to study after marriage and advance their careers. Even work from home jobs have limitations. A lot of stress and difficulty in managing the household is being seen these days.

Of course, today there are mothers-in-law who are very loving and caring too. They manage the house so well without uttering angry words or being rude to their daughters-in-law.

But for those who are struggling with emotionally abusive mothers-in-law, it is painful and challenging, do not be discouraged, be empathetic, be brave, listen and understand your mother-in-law’s emotions, and keep learning new skills every day. Sign up for a meditation or yoga class, and keep sharpening your hobbies like reading or gardening. This will keep all the negative thoughts and anger issues at bay. When she notices that you are not affected by her behaviour, she will slowly change herself. You will learn to remain emotionally  and mentally strong. Very soon, you will experience peace in your life.

Image source: YouTube/ a still from Badhaai Ho