How I Navigated The Stark Reality Of Gender Exclusion Professionally

As I reflect on my journey, I cannot help but ponder the intricate intersections of privilege, bias, and progress that have shaped my professional career. I was raised in a family where education was revered, and women's empowerment was a norm rather than an exception. In 1947, the year India won her independence, whilst the country’s literacy rate was only 14 per cent and female literacy was abysmally low at 8 per cent, both my grandmothers were educated. 

I entered the workforce with a sense of entitlement to my ambitions. Little did I know that despite my social and economic privileges, biases still lurked in the shadows of corporate corridors. My journey into the professional realm unveiled biases in unexpected ways. Assumptions about my commitment and dedication due to my privileged background initially hindered my credibility. It became evident that merely showing up was not enough; I had to amplify my voice, demonstrate competence, and navigate through the subtle undercurrents of gender bias that threatened to undermine my contributions.

Facing The Stark Reality Of Gender Exclusion

The landscape has undoubtedly evolved since I embarked on my career over two decades ago. Policies and opportunities for women have expanded, and mindsets have gradually shifted. However, entrenched biases continue to manifest, albeit in subtler forms. In the early years of my career, leadership positions were predominantly occupied by men, and the few women who broke through often faced the daunting choice between career advancement and family obligations.

One poignant incident stands out amidst my professional journey—an encounter with the stark reality of gender exclusion. In a manufacturing company, I was asked to visit a facility in the hinterland. As there weren’t many female employees in the workforce then, it was devoid of basic amenities like a restroom for women at this site, which was in the middle of nowhere. Here, my voice found resonance as I voiced my discomfort. Within a short time, we had the first washroom for women at that factory. My first milestone in a marathon. The swift rectification of this oversight underscored the power of speaking up against exclusion, no matter how trivial it may seem.

Navigating motherhood within the professional sphere presented its own set of challenges. Mandatory breaks intertwined with the responsibility of caregiving highlighted the need for flexibility and support from organisations. While policies exist to accommodate the needs of working mothers, there remains a pervasive cultural expectation for women to juggle career aspirations with familial duties.

As I reflect on the generational shift in attitudes towards work-life balance, I recognise the importance of extending empathy and understanding to younger colleagues. The journey towards gender equality requires not only systemic changes but also a collective effort to dismantle internalised biases and support each other in achieving professional success without sacrificing personal fulfilment.

In my role as a manager, I strive to create an inclusive environment where women feel empowered to thrive without compromising on their aspirations. I think it is important for women to sponsor women, we need to build our networks and invest in ourselves. However, I acknowledge the need for continuous introspection and advocacy to challenge societal norms and pave the way for a more equitable future.

This year's International Women's Day served as a reminder of the progress made and the distance yet to be travelled in the pursuit of gender equality. While biases may persist, I remain hopeful that through collective action and unwavering determination, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to fulfil her potential, unencumbered by societal limitations. 

Authored by Manisha Khosla Sinha, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Brand & Communications, BNP Paribas India