Role of men cannot be discounted

Aparna Mahajan is the President of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI), India and believes that sustainable solutions for gender balance will need men to play a key role as well.

What according to you are the successes of gender equality movement which gathered momentum towards the end of the last decade? In the last decade, gender equality movement gained much momentum through various campaigns worldwide, and especially by UN agencies like UN Women, and other women organizations, working for rights of women. The outcry on gender equality brought women focus into global limelight, with voices being clearly heard loud and wide, making them more active, than before. Numerous mass uprisings on women rights marked the decade, especially towards the later years, following certain crimes against women/rapes etc. An estimated number of over 5 million people worldwide participated in women’s march in 2017, in solidarity for women’s rights. There was a rise in digital campaigns/ movements in support of gender equal and violence free societies. All such steps to promote gender equality movement helped in shaping and influencing the stakeholders’ /public opinions and creating a well- informed, aware and active communities, at large.

At the start of this decade, what would be your three priorities for gender equal workplaces? Reforms in hiring practices to ensure a gender diverse workplace, fair compensation/equal pay, and clearly defined job roles in leadership for both men and women, to prevent stereotype role bias and gender discrimination at workplace, would be three priorities for gender equal workplaces.

How important is the role of men in this movement and what according to you should organisations do to involve them? Role of men is imperative and crucial in the movement, as they are integral part of gender equality. Their participation and support for women’s issues, and against any form of violence and oppression, is critical for ensuring a conducive and enabling environment for women, at all places, be it at work, home and in public/society level. Gender respect is important, and is mutually inclusive, which should be guiding force for both men and women. Organizations should include pro-active participation of men on issues of gender equality for creating a harmonious and congenial environment for all. Gender per se, does not mean women only. Therefore, any gender equality forum/campaign/movement will be incomplete without representation of men and their views on the subject for identifying sustainable solutions to tackle the gender related challenges/problems.

How important is the concept of “Sisterhood” in accelerating change? Sisterhood concept is very important accelerator of change, as it helps in creating an ecosystem of women’s movement for a shared vision, collective empowerment, strong network, increased engagement and wider outreach. Women through sisterhood can become harbingers of change resulting in powerful mega movement.

Do you think we need a young champion like Greta Thunberg for this cause as well? Several youth champions both among men and women can help promote the cause, and Greta Thunberg is a good example of a young champion that can inspire many individuals to support issues that need global attention. Initiatives by such young champions can lead to people’s movement for bringing an imminent and effective change in gender equality.