Having a career and the financial independence it means creates an identity for women beyond their traditional roles in homes. Which is why workplace equality should be a given.
We asked an open question to our readers, “What does it mean to you to go to work, as a woman?”, and invited their personal work stories. To our delight, we received some very interesting responses.
This, I think, is a timely question to ask. It’s 2019, and yet, 68% of our educated urban women are unemployed. And of those employed, I wonder for how many it is a question of a career. If my guess is correct, it must be a much smaller number than those who work as a necessity due to financial considerations.
My work gives me my piece of sky in this infinite Universe
Paromita Bardoloi
Earning for oneself offers a woman economic independence, which, according to Virginia Woolf’s claim “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction,” truly takes her on the path of #GettingToEqual. But not all work needs to be about needing to earn, as Paromita Bardoloi has us know.
Paromita is a writer and a spoken word artist based out of Delhi, and co-founder of a community ‘The Empathy Circle, India’, which meets each month to share life lessons. “My work,” she says, “gives me my piece of sky in this infinite Universe. That sky is mine and I don’t need anyone’s permission to paint it… Being a working woman is the gift I give to myself each day.”
Her work fulfils so much more than the mundane basic needs that any paid work does. “I am adding something more (to my life) than the cheque that comes to me at the end of the month. Sometimes I wake up to such messages – I receive long emails from strangers telling me how they could make a better choice because of something I. This fulfilment is something my work has gifted me back.”
Having multiple professions is a blessing
Lakshmi Priya
A single mom, Lakshmi Priya says that the financial independence her work gives her is a matter of pride for her. She has worked in a corporate job, has done freelance consulting, is a public speaker, and is a coach/ trainer.
“I will not say I love my job, neither will I say that I don’t,” she says. “Growing up, becoming a public speaker was my dream and I’m living it now. Yet, I have the same challenges with work that anyone else does. There are days I just want to throw up, bury myself in the office washroom and hibernate until I feel better again. And then there are days I walk into office, smiling to myself and giving away free hugs.”
This dichotomy of feelings about work is what makes us human – for this is giving oneself permission to feel both extremes, and not guilt oneself into denying it, a true way of #GettingToEqual. But then this is often not completely fulfilling for someone, as Lakshmi corroborates. For that, she does the creative things that satisfy her soul.
Why should men be considered the obvious and expected bread earners?
Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi
Sudeepta Mohapatra Sarangi works as an analyst, “helping our customers save on their utility bills/energy costs”.
Her post directly cuts to the heart of the matter. “The very question ‘what does it mean to you to go to work, as a woman?’ is so wrong!! Because, it screams of inequality. No wonder we are campaigning for #GettingToEqual, because we are still so far from it. Now, the same question is never asked to men! Because, they are the obvious and expected bread earners.”
The clarity with which Sudeepta explains further tells us exactly what is wrong with our society. And she takes umbrage to the question most commonly asked of women who want to work, to have a career. “Why do you need to work when your husband earns so much?!”
Being able to survive on your own is important for everyone
Anushree K
Anushree K works as a banker, in a top international bank. Her post reinforces what Sudeepta said.
“I know I cannot not work ever. It’s… in my bloodstream and not working would mean me losing my identity. There are days I feel like giving up, but since I don’t know any other way, I know I won’t be able to stay put if I do. I HAVE to work not just for the money but the independence it grants me,” Anushree states matter-of-factly.
She began working early in life, as a necessity – she lost her father early, and and for a long time, her mother was the sole earning member of the family. “I started working the moment I left education – Being able to survive on your own is important for everyone. EVERYONE.”
Being in the services is something that I’m proud of
Aruna Menon
Aruna Menon’s story is one of the most inspiring stories in these series. An army medical officer, Aruna is a gynaecologist, who has done her medicine from AFMC – Armed Forces Medical College. She is emphatic about her right to work as a woman.
“I work because I want to. Period!” she states. “It’s a choice I’d made as a child. I have skills and qualifications which help me help people, being a doctor. It gives me immense satisfaction and self worth as a woman, making life defining and life changing decisions for patients. To me work is a way of life. Way of being Me.”
A chance to reach for your dreams. A seat in the boardroom. Financial freedom. Equality means many things to many women. However, Getting to Equal is also about creating a culture of equality, which in turn drives innovation. That’s why workplace equality is such a big part of what women need! How do we move ahead and inspire more women to chase their dreams? If we want this big change to happen, it needs action from all of us – and you can be a part of it too!
Share a pic of yourself at work, and tell us how your work makes you feel! Whether it is learning a new skill, meeting a deadline, or reaching your financial goals, share how and why your work brings you joy. Inspire other women to share their own stories of finding value in work, and let’s create more organisations that thrive because they are equal workplaces. Share your story here on Facebook, tag @AccentureIndia, @WomensWeb and 3 friends whom you think should share their fabulous #GettingToEqual stories! Learn more at: https://accntu.re/2GSaVsy
Such a variety of professions, attitudes, wants, and wishes, but with a common thread – the pride in being a working woman. If your post is up by the 15th of March 2019, you could be featured in an update of this post.
Images: Facebook
The post 5 Working Women Share Why Work Adds Such Meaning To Their Lives appeared on Women's Web: For Women Who Do.