By Ismat Tahseen
They’re go-getters in their own diverse fields, yet there is a common bond that runs through them. For young politico Agatha Sangma, doctors — Indu Shahani, Swati Piramal and Shyama Chona, folk artist Rukma Bai, entrepreneurs Reeina Gupta as well as sports stars Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal all embody the drive to lash out at life’s toughest challenges and come out a winner.
Here to receive awards from the IMC Ladies Wing, they reveal what would make a more women empowered society...
Education & upbringing
Sheriff Indu Shahani has one word when it comes to the betterment of women. “Education,” she says. “That’s the only way to true empowerment. I don’t just mean that for girls, but boys too. The latter must have the right upbringing and be taught to respect women,” she asserts.
Agatha Sangma, India’s youngest parliamentarian and the first woman MP from Meghalaya, says the cradle of her success comes from her society. There is also a cause that’s after her own heart. “The economic empowerment of women; I find that crucial,” states Agatha.
Gender bender
World class shuttler Saina Nehwal is all of 19, but is as feisty as it gets when she gets onto the court. Saina also wishes more girls would be able to play competitively. “Badminton is a costly game and involves much expenditure. Many of my friends are deprived of sponsors; I would want that more sponsors shouldhelp the girls financially,” she muses.
Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, India’s first woman boxer and four-time gold medal winner at last year’s Indoor Asian Games in Taiwan among other championships, seconds the thought.
“I wish more girls take up the sport, unfortunately the government isn’t doing much in the way of incentives,” she rues. Life has thrown the 28-year-old quite a few punches and she managed to parry them right back “It was initially very, very tough. I come from a small town and the going was very tough financially. People would look at me in disbelief when I told them I was keen to box,” admits the boxer, adding, “I hope that I can inspire other girls.”
GLASS CEILING, NO MORE
While entrepreneur Reeina Gupta feels women have found their rightful place today and says, “Women have that sixth sense to evaluate, analyze and act dispassionately. This gives them the edge in the corporate world,” business czarina Swati Piramal also enthuses that women have made it big everywhere.
“Of course there’s no glass ceiling,” she smiles. “You’ll find women in all spheres of the economy today — in fact, I’d say women are the emerging market.” And what’s her mantra to conquer the peak? “Even a small difference can start a new revolution. Be like the Mother Ganges and go over the rocks and hurdles.”
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