Did you watch The Debate yesterday on our Facebook Page? No? Maybe you should! (It is here) “A women’s perspective of life in public service” was the most vivacious debate of this year at IWI. The first thing will realize is that these women are not boring and conservative, like they are portrayed to be in movies. In fact, they make great conversationalists, with the plethora of experience and insights that they bring in, working for Government Of India.

Ramaa, Nivedita and Himika spoke practical feminism, moderated by the very lively Dipankar Mukherjee!  The first question we asked them was the one in all of our minds. “Why are there not too many women in public service?” Ramaa says “The preparation is tedious. And maybe our own mindset is also actively responsible, seeking a quick and comfortable life, the societal norm of settling down with a family early that deters women from taking up the UPSC”.

An employer who cares!

The pay may not be high, but these women are safe in their office. Public service offers a caring environment that encourages work life balance. Besides, there is the long-term advantage of post-retirement benefits. And yes, issues of harassment are taken seriously. An employee would hesitate to make an inappropriate comment that can potentially make his female colleague uncomfortable, owing to dire consequences. That is where the sector scores over a corporate job!

But hang on, life is not a bed of roses

The offices are not designed to be women friendly, with many of them lacking even clean restrooms, right upto the Shastri Bhavan. “And what about sexism?” You may ask. Accodding to Nivedita, “It isn’t as obvious at the entry level, as it is at higher levels of the hierarchy” Quite some stereotyping there, with the age-old boys club ruling the roost here too, bonding easily and claiming women ‘leave work early’ and ‘have family commitments’. As a result, every woman entering the system ends up having to prove herself from scratch! That is a big opportunity lost for the public sector to be a forerunner in breaking the gender divide. Himika, who herself has moved from the corporate sector, says the slow increase in people moving from corporate sector and outsourcing is having a positive impact. It makes freeloading difficult, and also makes on-the-job performance matter!

Mindset matters

Nothing beats public sector in terms of a women friendly career, but better facilities at work and a change in mindset, of both employees and parents of girls are vital to see more girls taking up opportunities here. What we need is role models and awareness about this career. And maybe an idea that work is a lot more challenging and interesting than its made out to be. This will fascinate the younger brigade of women to this line of work!

Thank You to the audience for the enthusiastic participation!

Thank You So much Ramaa, Himika and Nivedita, for sharing your insights with us. We had a great time!

2020 has been a year to remember.

An unbelievable pandemic that has made being alive an achievement, new norms of work and life, and then, a new team at IWI. We wish you a healthy and prosperous 2021 and we hope to bring some great inspiring stories your way.

Our Guests

Ms. Himika Chaudhuri

Himika Chaudhuri is a media professional with 17 years of experience as a journalist. She has worked in TOI, HT, India Today, CNN IBN before moving into a communications role two years back. She is now Head of Communication in the Sports Ministry.

Ms. Ramaa Sonti

Ramaa Sonti is an Income tax officer based in Bhubaneswar. She joined the department in 1992 as a Stenographer & worked her way up with a determined attitude. She has a Bachelor’s degree in science, a B.Ed is also a Masters in History. She loves reading and is also a writer, having penned short stories. She is particularly fond of writing humour & takes life with a pinch of salt & a spoonful of honey. She lives with her husband and daughter in BhubaneshwarMs.

Ms. Nivedita Roy

Nivedita Roy is a Senior Tax Assistant based in Kolkata. She joined the department as a Tax Assistant in 2010 and has been working to achieve a distinctive position in the department through her hard work. She has a Master’s degree in Economics. She loves to read and cook new dishes. She and her husband have been blessed with a baby girl this year.

Moderator

The December Edition of The IWI Debate was hosted by Dipankar Mukherjee, Mentor, Head – Ideation, and Strategy at IWI. Dipankar is the Founder of Aeronova and Readomania. He is an MBA from IIT Madras and has nine years of corporate experience before his entrepreneurial career. Under his leadership, Readomania has launched 100+ titles in just about five years. He launched Aeronova in 2019 as a go-to brand in consumer electricals in India.

Author

Nithya Rajagopal

Manager

Content & Community

Incredible Women Of India