Amit Bishnoi
Chitra Balasubramaniam is the founder of Tres’chic Academe, she brings forward her experience and training, as the only Image Consultant to have won Times of India “Power Women 2019” “Women of Influence 2019” “SWAA South Women Achievers Award” “Indian Achiever’s Award” in the category Best Image Consultant, Certified Dale Carnegie Coach, Certified Mentor at Cherie Blair Foundation UK.
Here are some edited excerpts of the interview:
1) Do you believe in the concept of Women’s Day? If so, why do you think there should be a special day for women? Why can’t everyday be a woman’s day? Is it practically not possible to appreciate women for her efforts on a daily basis?
For some, Women’s day is a necessity; for others, it is an anachronism. Feminism might no longer be fashionable, but we all need to look back and recognise the huge advances that women have made – as well as the many miles there are still left to go. Women’s day is just a way of celebrating her achievements & to feel proud about how far we have come than our grandmothers & the opportunities we have now than before. It’s just a way of realising the fact that we are far more enabled to achieve success if we put our mind into it. Some women don’t need motivation, some need, it’s a day to remind other women that it’s possible for everyone to achieve what they envision. We as women need validation & appreciation for what we are, & women’s day is just that.
2) There are a lot of women empowerment and development programs all over India. But still we do hear increasing crimes against women like harassment, violence etc. Where do you think we are still lagging behind? How can it be resolved?
Women empowerment has definitely improved in recent times & has given the ability to control their political, social, economic status. Crimes against women happened even before now, but it’s visible clearly these days because of social media & strong voicing of women who come out without any fear than before. The only reason we are lagging behind is the lack of severe punishments which attempt these heinous crimes. If the judiciary system is severe, the people who attempt these crimes will be scared to even think about committing it. The government should make necessary laws to resolve these crimes against women. No matter how many ever women shout out from her lungs, without the proper laws it can’t be eradicated. It’s the only faster & shorter way.
3) This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (8 March) is, “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights”. Share your views on the theme.
“I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights”
Are we equal? Are we happy? Do we live in a respectable society?
I have always been critical of the idea that women’s role is at home, not in public policy. Public policy shapes decisions that affect both men and women, and it’s important to have women’s voices reflected, so that we don’t continue building a society from a male perspective. Time to realise women’s rights & work for it.
Today being in the 21st century, lots of rules and regulations are made to encourage women, lots of promises of woman empowerment are done, lots of institutes/schools/colleges are recruiting at least ¼ woman, and “ladies first” phrase is repeated day by day. But is that enough? Not at all. Changes come from the mind. Once the mentality of woman non-dominance comes and stays on everyone’s mind, all these violence and inequality will collapse. In society, when there are no requirements of theories like liberal feminism, Marxist feminism, socialist feminism, then that time onward, the Generation of Equality Begins.
I believe that one day, every man and women will be at the same level beholding the peace and successful society, throughout the world. If we all work for women’s rights, we will achieve greater equality, & one day these relationships will become equal.
4) There is a saying that ‘Look backward to move forward’. If you are given an opportunity to revisit the past and make some changes in women’s status in India, what would you do? Why?
Most of us, at one time or another, have felt stuck. Maybe we don’t like our current situation, but don’t know what to do next. Or, maybe we like our situation, but our results have hit a plateau and we can’t seem to move forward. Looking backwards helps you confidently move faster. You can’t move forward faster if you don’t look backwards. Looking behind once in a while helps you ponder upon your mistakes & make solutions to move forward faster. Looking backward helped me to go forward easier & create a better future for ourselves. I have improved my socio, economic status just by knowing my past & accepting it, creating solutions for each problem i had, have. Looking back helped me to shorten the learning curve, it helps to avoid making the same mistakes. You can’t change the past but you can change your future by acknowledging your past & taking responsibility for your future.
5) We still hear women leaving their jobs in the mid-way of their careers owing to personal reasons. Do you think that encouraging women to join the workforce can help her eliminate all the problems that she would face in different stages of her life?
There are numerous reasons for leaving a job, for sure, Women leave their positions at a far higher rate than men, and more often than not, are then replaced… by men. On average, we’re looking at attrition rates of 31% vs 24%, and it only goes higher as you move up the corporate ladder. By the time you actually reach the C-suite, women leave their jobs at over three times the rate of their male colleagues.
6) Why are women quitting in such disproportionate numbers?
It can be because of becoming a mother, younger kids at home, no proper arrangement at home, hostile environment at workplace, salary gap, lack of skill set, no proper motivation, lack of confidence level, etc etc , It’s hard to say. There aren’t easy answers to these huge, structural problems to how we divvy up wealth and assign responsibilities. But it’s my hope that, as more and more women enter into the entrepreneurial space, building companies where women and women’s needs are understood and respected, and work done by women isn’t valued less simply because it was done by a woman, we’ll see fewer factors forcing women out. That’s what I’m working towards to find the gap & help women to know their UNIQUE SELF, redefining them to achieve their goals.