“Women dream big and their aspirations are boundless. But is the social environment conducive to let me follow my dreams?” Undergraduate student Soniya often wonders so. She wants to choose a career of her choice but is unsure whether she will get the right opportunity and will be allowed to.
“I am determined to take up a career that suits my personality and one which will make me happy and creative” says Sruthi, another young college goer.
Not only did Soniya and Sruthi mull over their future but there were 250-odd girls more gathered at the third edition of VrYiksha to celebrate Indian womanhood. And each of them was set on the thinking mode after successful career women from diverse backgrounds shared their experiences with them. The idea of the meet organised by the Madurai chapters of Young Indians and the Confederation of Indian Industries was to motivate the young girls to give shape to their dreams, be innovative in their ideas, recognise their hidden talents and hone their potential. The message that came out clear was “do not hide your aspirations but be bold enough to chase them.”
Education plays an important role in building the self-confidence which in turn fetches jobs and a sense of pride and dignity. But why shouldn’t women choose to empower themselves? Why should she always have to take cues from the society?
Women continue to face social, cultural, financial biases and despite much work and awareness on gender parity continue to struggle to overcome discrimination.
A study says that if women played identical roles as men in the labour market, $28 trillion can be added to the global GDP by 2025. To reach the pinnacle of success, equal opportunities must be provided and safety of women at workplace should be ensured. Even Though laws and policies govern companies to bring on Board at least one woman director, in reality women are still striving to be included as workforce and be smoothly accommodated in the workplace.
“If someone discourages or demoralizes you, convert the adversaries into opportunities,” Ms.RohiniRamdas, Additional Collector and Project Officer, District Rural Development Agency, said while addressing the gathering. She exhorted them to come out of their shell and boldly achieve their ambitions. “Lean in” by Sheryl Sandberg was a book she recommended the young girls to read and gather courage. “Realise the opportunities knocking on your door if you want to prove your real power,” she said.
Pursuing a profession without passion remains just a job. But passionately choosing a career of choice is acommitment for a lifetime and a crucial ingredient to keep driving yourself. “Up to a certain point, girls are spirited, but when they enter family lives, then passion goes seeking permission,” pointed out Dr.Rohini Sridhar, COO and Director of Medical Services, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Madurai. She said it was important to retain the same level of interest and passion in order to face difficulties on the chosen path.
“Women are contributors and not just consumers” reminded Ms. Vanitha Mohan,Managing Trustee, Siruthuzhi, Coimbatore. She discussed in detail the role and responsibilities of women in community development and told the girls never to be bogged down by the challenges in life.
“Women hold families, societies and countries together. You are the greatest pillar of support and strength to all and the hurdles in life can be easily overcome by you,” she said.
Mr. Hari Thiagarajan, Chairperson, Yi Madurai gave the idea to the gathered students to support and sponsor at least one girl from the lower social strata. “Guide them and keep track of their progress. Faster growth in female literacy rate would substantially narrow down the gender bias and help women to seek employment and make a sustainable living in rural areas,” he said.
