There is a need to work towards woman empowerment even today. Instead of just speaking in jargons what we need are changes in the workplace which are conducive to encouraging women leaders and team members to progress in their careers, says Sunila Patil, Director, Veena World.
How important is IWD for you and why?
At Veena World we have always believed in empowering women be it creating a safe workspace where our colleagues can thrive or offering the biggest range of only women’s tours for our tourists- IWD is important to highlight, recognise and applaud the achievements and sacrifices made by us and all the women in our lives.
Do you really think that women, in a fast-changing technology and modern age, needs empowerment? How did you develop confidence in yourself?
Women are making rapid progress in the modern age. They are breaking barriers and reaching for the stars. However, till every woman can have access to this technology and use it to enhance the quality of her life we will need to keep working on women empowerment. We need to see real life changes and upgrades in the lifestyle of women in various environments from metro cities to rural areas.
I have always focused on trying to work towards achieving the goals we set without worrying about the gender bias. Confidence develops and grows as we learn from each small success and failure too.
While women constitute 54% of the work force in global travel, tourism and hospitality industry. This percentage is abysmally low at the top level?
This is precisely why we need to work towards woman empowerment even today. Instead of just speaking in jargons what we need are changes in the workplace which are conducive to encouraging women leaders and team members to progress in their careers. Easy access to child care facilities, nutrition and support from their families will ensure that women can continue working over years and build strong careers. Reaching the top is an effect of years of hard work and we must create a system that offers women equal opportunities as men and will encourage women to work towards reaching the top of the ladder.
What sort of challenges do you face at workplace as well as balancing work-family life?
There are challenges of course and the last few years have been the most challenging so to say. However, I am blessed that there is no challenge that I cannot tackle at work because I am a woman. It is thanks to our colleagues and family support that this is possible. Maintaining a good work life balance is a daily challenge and some days you have to miss out on family events and celebrations too, however, everything works out when the family is by your side.
One school of thought suggest that women themselves are one of the hindrances in the growth of the women. What is your take on this?
I do not agree to this school of thought and fortunately I have not come across such women in my life personally. I believe most women would like to see the other women progress in their personal life and career too.
What are your suggestions to younger generation?
The younger generation has a wealth of information at their fingertips. But I believe that along with knowledge an empathetic approach and the willingness to work hard consistently will help them go places.
