Lady Leaders Driving The Social Change

Disapproving women’s stereotype image of being soft and feeble, women are changing the landscapes of various industries. Having conquered many pinnacles in almost every sector, women have also been at the forefront to make society a better place to live in.

On this International Women’s Day, we bring to you leading ladies from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) sector of India. Indian CSR domain is relatively young as far as its formal set up goes.

The CSR mandate shaped this sector structurally and many women took up the charge to change the world for the better using their professional skills. “It is heartening to see women in leadership positions across leading corporates, including their CSR divisions. While women are known to be compassionate and sensitive, women are also tough and strong go-getters who excel in all sectors including CSR. Women strive for quality with a clear focus on outcomes and this is what makes us ideal for decision making and leadership positions. It is imperative that women believe in their potential to excel,” says Prerna Langa, CEO, Yes Foundation, the social development arm of Yes Bank.

Breaking away from the labeled notions, many lady leaders have decided to stand tall against sympathizing emotions and stay strong. Believer of equality in every aspect, Pearl Tiwari, President, CSR & Sustainability, Ambuja Cement Ltd has a radical reply when it comes to showing women as more compassionate and sensitive. “I believe these are stereotypes we need to do away with. Women are deemed to be soft and sensitive and so are considered apt for a specific set of work only. They end up losing exposure to many opportunities due to this.”

Justifying her opinion, she gives the example of work timings. “Under the Factories’ Act, women are not allowed to work in night shifts. Understanding the fact that it is meant for their safety, I believe that safety should be the responsibility of the organisation. Since, women are not allowed to work in night shifts, their promotions and growth opportunities are affected in comparison to their male counterparts.”

Emphasising on professional skills over gender, Dr. Vikas Goswami, Head, Good and Green at Godrej Industries Limited said, “Professionals who are women in any sector, are defined not only by their gender but more importantly their understanding of the space and the experience they garner. It is limiting to think of women in any sector only by their gender. Do women make good social and CSR sector leaders? Yes they do. Perhaps because of the human and social dimensions involved that women are attuned to and this is borne out by the shining examples of women in the Indian social renaissance, the freedom movement, the scores of other socio-cultural campaigns in India as well as internationally, and now the CSR space. However, it is not simply compassion and empathy that defines a successful woman leader, but ultimately her ability to connect the dots, build and create networks, make mistakes and push themselves.”

These women at influential positions believe that a lot needs to be done at the ground level as far as the masses are concerned. “I strongly believe that fundamental change in mindset towards gender equality is the key to create a conducive and enabling environment for women,” says Langa.

“There is a strong need of gender sensitisation across socio-economic strata. But this sensitisation should not be about being sweet to women but about treating them equally. This equal treatment can only happen if women themselves step up and collectivise for the change they desire. Under one of our projects, women group of about 3000-4000 women are spreading awareness on the way widowed women are treated. Since many women have come together and agreed to a common goal, it is easier for them to change the customs. Once collectivised, sky is the limit for them,” says Tiwari.

While women are stepping ahead across strata, it is a topic of debate whether their contribution is valued across sections or not. Commenting on the international standing of women, Roberta Clarke, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific says, “Women’s involvement and leadership are critical to finding solutions to the challenges of poverty, inequality and insecurity.”

“Women are at the frontline of the outbreaks of threatening new epidemics or the impact of climate change and at the same time are the primary caretakers of families and communities and advocates for peace and environmental sustainability. Yet women’s leadership is insufficiently recognised and valued. On International Women’s Day let us resolve to be smarter and far-sighted. Gender equality is at the heart of a realisation of a world where no one is left behind.”