Breaking through the glass ceiling, Zara Sheikha, a transgender and member of the queer community in the city, has joined UST Global at Technopark here as Senior Associate, Human Resources.
A happy Zara says it feels great not to hide her identity like she had to in her previous two workplaces. “I felt like I was sacrificing my career… hiding everything inside. I was hesitant to reveal my identity, as I knew they would not accept me as I am.”
UST Global, she said, wanted to include all genders and categories of people. “Their vision is to bring a different life to this workplace. They are looking at the talent and capability of a person, even from a minority community.”
With over 65 people in HR, it is great to have a group that can understand and support her, she says, besides a recognition of what people from the queer community can bring to the table.
It was through a friend that Zara got to know that UST Global was looking for a transgender with relevant qualifications and experience in HR. With her prior experience, she fit the bill, and after a couple of interviews, she was on board.
Recognition of transgenders’ abilities is crucial, Zara says. She would know for she has many friends from the community who are still waiting for job opportunities. For acceptance to happen, sensitisation about who transgenders are, how they live, and their experiences should start right from the school level, she says. “The government should have a training programme for teachers to make them aware of transgenders and other sexual minorities. It is important that people realise that we too are humans, and enjoy the same rights that they have.”
Having joined on Thursday, Zara is already looking forward to responsibilities pertaining to HR in the Asia-Pacific region of UST Global.
