WOMEN WARRIORS |
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SANGEETHA BALEKAI CE Development & Catalyst , Conquest Systems Services , Tirupur
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The journey …
I am leading the software division of our organization which provides Consulting , Software and Quality Assurance services to the garment industry .
I am in the industry since 1995 and working in this industry is purely accidental ; I am a Graduate in Civil Engineering , did my Oracle courses , and now I am developing and implementing web-based ERP solutions for many industries , but primarily for the garment industry and its verticals .
The journey has been very enjoyable , the dynamism , the creativity , opportunity to continuously learn a lot of new things , meet , interact with a lot of people of different levels – Top Management , Buyers , Middle Management , Data Entry Operators , Production Floor Supervisors , QCs , and workers . Finally the satisfaction of
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experiencing the improvement in the organization . The users also find our ERP tool very useful and sometimes teach me back how it works …
Is this industry gender bias …?
I wouldn ’ t say this industry is gender biased ; opportunity is open to all . It ’ s good to see a lot of women in top positions when we go to textile conferences compared to other engineering conferences . In fact , the industry looks for women talent for the fashion mindset and multi-tasking ability to work with a lot of details . At the same time , I would say that , it takes a little more assertive stance for a woman to establish herself and to be taken seriously .
I remember one incident distinctly … In the early years of my career , I once contacted a person for a business opportunity . He gave me an appointment and I was there with full bubbling hopes , but when I met him , he was straight forward enough to say that he had no real business opportunity , but he was surprised to hear from a woman for marketing in garment industry and was curious to meet ‘ this woman ’. I did not get any business from him , but was motivated to move forward beyond these boundaries .
During my professional life , I have met a lot of women who have little education but still are handling major activities in production due
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to their sheer acumen and talent . If we see as numbers , the proportion of women in middle-management is still low and there is a lot of scope for women to come up to this position . With a little more perseverance , this can be achieved .
Work-home life balance …
Yes , the industry is very demanding , and I think that is also the uniqueness of this industry . One has to find ways to keep refreshed to face the next day . Work-life balance is a challenge ; there have been days when we used to go home late nights regularly . Because my spouse is from garment industry , the nature of work was well understood . Parent ’ s support was crucial in the upbringing of children . Without family understanding , balance is not possible . Yet the challenge of two things in the to-do-list of every working woman – to manage the kitchen and monitor children ’ s home work , is always there .
Now working hours are more streamlined to decent hours of working . So , we can find some time to keep up with some regular workouts . I personally do morning walks , meditation and believe in learning creative arts which freshens and sharpens the mind . I am also learning classical Music and Taichi ( martial arts ). This prevents me from getting stressed and regulates better working . I also enjoy trekking , holidaying to sportive locations .
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S . PADMAVATHI Principal-II / State Coordinator , ATDC , Karnataka
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The journey …
I have been in this industry for the last 2 years and it is by choice . I am very passionate about my work , so it ’ s enjoyable and I do not feel any stress though it is a very demanding industry , as clothing is a basic need for human beings . I feel proud that I am a woman first and associated with this industry . As we are into vocational skill training , we train the youth . Preferably 80 per cent women who get employed in the apparel / retail / fashion industry which is a great fulfilling experience , and I enjoy every moment .
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Work-home balance …
I get appreciation from my family , friends , and colleagues that I balance my responsibilities at work and at home well . It ’ s an art I learnt from my grandmother , who was excellent in managing time and multi-tasking .
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