Aishwarya N,Deputy General Manager L&D, Brigade Hospitality Services Limited.

How does your workplace embrace equality?

There have been multitude of opportunities I have had. There has been zero discrimination or judgement for growth opportunities. My workplace has been an enabler for me to develop and grow as an individual. By this, I had become a bigger contributor to the organisation and the community as a whole. There are equal opportunities for all, but I also know that in a male-dominated workplace, women, have to rise, speak-up, ask for what they want and challenge the status-quo where necessary. I know this is not easy, but I think this is necessary to come out of the shell. There is no ideal workplace as I know there are challenges in an ‘All women workplace’.

Equality is about respect, non-judgemental behaviour and providing the space for me to be my natural self. Which I receive and definitely grateful for.

As a woman, how do you make sure that you embrace equality? When you are the decision maker how do you make sure you are not gender biased?

Equality is treating everyone with respect and dignity. The line ‘treat everyone like the you want to be treated’ resonates with me. I ensure this is practiced and treat everyone person with due respect. As a person, I like to call a spade and spade and cannot sugar cost. Therefore, feedback both the good and not so good as necessary. I ensure to choose the right words, speak at the right time, also choosing the environment for important communication. I treat talent as talent, and don’t let gender or who the person is come in the way of working. These rules help I set for myself definitely help in maintaining healthy relationships which are essential in creating a harmonious workplace.

Having worked in London for some time, I was exposed to different nationalities and cultures. This impacted me hugely, and I definitely have grown as a person since and carry these experiences of multi-cultural interactions with me. These help even today in adapting to the changing behaviours of our workplace.

Decision making is itself complex and I let the problem at hand be the focus and try to exclude the gender bias here. Being un-biased and being fact based in the approach is what I strive for.

Do you believe that gender inclusive policies are justified with an increasing number of women in the industry while still not being a 50% strength or close?

For a start I definitely feel that gender inclusive policies are required. It helps make the beginning. But sometimes, there are contradictions in what we do. Let me explain this.

I have a slightly different opinion about Women’s day. I think the way we celebrate Women’s day today kind of portrays inequality more prominently. If we need to show the SHEpower, the approach to Women’s day has to be changed. Look at every day as a Womens’ day to empower and liberate. Women across ranks, positions and from different strata of the society should be called upon to share their stories. I think each woman is unique and special, and everyone’s story and journey matters. Success stories have to grow beyond designations, pay packages and the companies one works for. That is inequality in itself, and the definitions of SHEpower is skewed. The stories of

struggle have made each woman who she is and this needs to be called out. While it is good to have some fun and let your hair loose, I think if this is the sole purpose, this day will lose meaning.

It is a long road to a gender equal organisation and we have I think come a long way. I can see a clear difference in that way my mother was and how I am and the multi generations I work with.

I reiterate here that while companies have policies, men and women alike have to be educated on gender equality. Just having a policy will not change much and a conscious effort in inclusive behaviour and communication is necessary. Empowering women, instilling in them the sense of capability and promise that every woman is on a journey to growth has to be intrinsically articulated and practiced at a workplace.

—–