In the intricate tapestry of humanity, both men and women are indispensable threads, each contributing unique perspectives, talents, and strengths that collectively weave the fabric of society. Together, their co-existence forms the very foundation upon which our world operates, bringing diversity, balance, and harmony to every aspect of life.Yet, despite the inherent equality of their roles in shaping the world, women have historically faced systemic barriers and societal biases that have relegated them to subordinate positions in many regions across the globe. Discrimination, inequality, and injustice have marred the path of countless women, impeding their ability to fully realize their potential and contribute to society on equal footing with men.However, amidst these challenges, the indomitable spirit of humanity shines through in the form of individuals who defy norms, break barriers, and rise above adversity. Regardless of gender, these trailblazers embody resilience, determination, and excellence, showcasing the innate capacity of human beings to transcend limitations and achieve greatness.In every sphere of human endeavor, from science and technology to arts and literature, from politics and governance to business and entrepreneurship, men and women alike have left an indelible mark on history through their achievements and contributions. Their voices, their ideas, and their actions reverberate across generations, inspiring others to dream, to aspire, and to create positive change in the world.On navigating and challenging the stereotype behavior in organisations, Hajra Haq, the Growth Marketing Director - MEA at WebEngage, comments: “I have attended several boardroom meetings and networking events where women were severely outnumbered by men. In such situations, it is important to speak up and make your voice heard rather than submitting to insecurities, hesitancies, shyness, or inhibitions. Irrespective of how consistent or contradictory your opinions are with the general sentiment among the participants, I do not hesitate to provide my perspectives and add to the discourse. Such actions help circumvent gender biases or stereotypes, if any, while reinforcing your belief in your abilities.”Shainy Koshy, Head of HR, The Continental Group, talking about her organization, said: “At the Continental Group, we believe that small changes make a big difference. So, we’ve consistently updated our HR policies to curb conscious and unconscious biases and promote gender equality in recruitment, salary, benefits, and promotion. For example, we do not label any role with a preference for male or female candidates; we pin our recruitment decisions on a candidate’s experience, skills, and competencies. Similarly, benefits such as remote working are gender inclusive. We revisit pay parity regularly, especially during appraisals and salary revision cycles.”Dr Ruhil Badiani, a physician at Cornerstone Clinic, also recounted instances where she was mistakenly referred to as a nurse and occasionally presumed to be male because of her 'Dr' title.She said: “I hold nurses in high regard as my colleagues, recognizing the crucial role they play in the field of medicine. Being mistaken for a male is not inherently negative.” She further shares an example, saying: “One memorable experience from my training occurred during a trip to Central America to work in Belize, where traditional gender roles were deeply ingrained. I was initially confined to the obstetric and gynecology clinic solely because of my gender, while my male colleagues enjoyed rotations through various specialties. Refusing to accept this limitation, I advocated for myself. Despite my genuine interest in obstetrics and gynecology, I felt the need to engage in a broader range of specialties for a well-rounded education. I stood firm against the male lead's attempts to restrict my opportunities. By the end of my time there, I had actively participated in orthopedics, cardiology, and emergency medicine. I refused to accept 'no' as an answer, demonstrating that I was as proficient a doctor as my male counterparts. While it required a fight, the resulting respect and equal opportunities made the effort entirely worthwhile.”“I always say that people might greet me based on my gender, but they will say goodbye to me based on my knowledge and my skills,” says Erika Doyle, Founder of Drink Dry. “I have learned to save my energy and time and not worry about the things I cannot change or control and instead focus my efforts on being the best in my field and delivering great results for our customers, clients and partners. In terms of navigating gender biases within Drink Dry, we are always very transparent in everything we do.”Qadreya Al Awadhi, founder of Bumblebee Food, opines: “Luckily living in the UAE has allowed me to navigate this smoothly. The government is very supportive of women and leadership continues to support women whether they choose to stay at home or work. With that being said, working in a baby food business made it more difficult to convince men about the importance of it. But with facts and statistics on childhood nutrition and its links to obesity, it was not difficult to persuade them.”Men: Allies for gender equalityThe co-existence of men and women is essential for success and happiness. Men can play a significant role in combating gender inequality and being allies within the ecosystem. By acknowledging — not denying — the prevalence of gender biases in public, personal, and professional life, men can create favourable conditions to advance equality, observes Shainy Koshy.“As biases can be deep-rooted and often presented unconsciously, it takes considerable effort to acknowledge and address them. Such biases are pronounced in male-dominated industries and at home. By sharing domestic responsibilities and chores and being supportive of women in their professional endeavours, men can be part of the solution,” adds Koshy.Similarly, Erika Doyle thinks that men play a critical role in advancing gender equality, the same way as other women do. It should not be around different genders cheering on their own, it should just be around people cheering on other people, she adds.Not every successful woman has an empowering man behind her, but some do — a father who provided a good education to his daughter and supported her in her endeavours, irrespective of how unconventional they were; a husband who eagerly shares domestic responsibilities; a male colleague or a boss who values your opinion and creates a safe and respectable work environment around you, says Hajra Haq. According to her, such men need to be celebrated. Their mere presence can be a catalyst to women’s career aspirations.The term "gender equality" is frequently associated with women's issues, but this perception is not accurate, opines Dr Ruhila.According to her, men hold a vital role in championing and guaranteeing gender equality. “Men can actively contribute to promoting gender equality by serving as allies, speaking out against sexist behavior, and advocating for equal opportunities in the workplace. It's crucial to recognize that gender equality extends beyond being solely a women's issue; it is a human issue. Men bear the responsibility of actively participating in the solution and contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society. On the ‘flip’ side, the traditional gender roles can be harmful to men as much as it is to women. Unfair gender roles and damaging stereotypes and expectations construct and reproduce harming forms of masculinity. Rigid and stereotypical gender norms can fuel risky behaviours resulting in violence, poor health, including preventive health, and lower life expectancy,” says Ruhila.This is more important than we think it to be, says Soniya Ashar. “There will never be a world where any gender can live in a silo, and so I feel men play a super important role by actively supporting and advocating for women's rights and empowerment. Whether it's a friend, partner, brother, father, manager or colleague, their willingness to give space, change to speak for themselves without overshadowing, offer opportunities, and treat women equally is essential. Allies who listen, amplify women's voices, challenge sexist attitudes and behaviors, and actively work towards creating an inclusive environment are invaluable in the fight for gender equality,” says Kosher.Qadreya Al Awadhi believes that men are important to advance gender equality; we cannot have this conversation without them.“We must all work together to better our society to ensure equal opportunities for all. In the UAE, the government and leadership support women and it made the UAE one of the best and safest countries for women in the world. There are other countries around the world, led by men, that focus on taking away women's right to education, and that has been proven to keep women in poverty and subject them to violence. As Melinda Gates said, a woman's education can mean the difference between life and death.”Advice for women for leadershipWomen who have reached the pedestal of success and achieved leadership positions can provide realistic and achievable suggestions to those who aspire to become leaders.In other words, women who have become successful leaders can offer practical and attainable advice to those who hope to follow in their footsteps. This advice can include strategies for overcoming obstacles, developing leadership skills, and navigating the challenges that women often face in the workplace. By sharing their experiences and insights, these successful women can inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders.Dr RuhilBadiani, who has been a successful doctor and won many accolades, advises young women: “Go for it! You are a powerhouse on your own and nobody can tell you can’t do something. Break the glass ceiling and rise to the top! A woman in a leadership position once told me she does not ever take the advice from a man in a leadership position; they have a woman behind the scenes keeping their home and family happy so they are able to get to leadership roles far easier.”She further says: “Maintain an insatiable appetite for learning, explore the world as much as possible, and cultivate independence. Surround yourself with the best minds in your industry, absorbing lessons from them and seeking a mentor for guidance. Acknowledge that perfection is elusive for everyone, and use your mistakes as stepping stones for growth. Believe that there is no such thing as male-dominated industry; women can do the job just as well.”Hajra Haq, successful director at WebEngage, says that persistence continues to determine who gets ahead and who gets left behind in the corporate world. She urges women to be persistent in their efforts, forge a strong mindset, and be unphased by setbacks. “If you have strong self-awareness of your strengths and weaknesses, you can optimize your efforts and keep pushing forward. Your self-beliefs are your ally when you find yourself in the unchartered waters of traditionally male-dominated industries. If you approach it strategically, male-dominated domains present ample opportunities for women to channel their inherent strengths such as empathy-driven leadership and emotional intelligence and make a name for themselves.”Shainy Koshy, who has made a niche for herself in the industry suggests: “While it is true that external factors largely determine women’s promotion to a leadership position, even self-limiting beliefs can influence it. My advice for young women aspiring for leadership positions is to never quit on that pursuit despite all the roadblocks they may face and self-doubts they may harbour. Give your best and confidently seek what is rightly owed to you. Remember — never be ashamed to ask even if the expected answer is no.”Erika Doyle, a successful entrepreneur, says: “Be authentic and be you. Don’t try to be a man or behave in a way that isn’t natural to you. People do business with people and that is important to remember. Keep your reputation and integrity intact at all stages of your career and you will reap the rewards of that later.”Soniya Ashar, who successfully runs a unique concept with Nutri-cal, shares a list for aspiring women leaders: Firstly, focus on your work. Let your achievements and contributions speak louder than anything else. Be ready for rejection. It's a part of the journey for everyone, regardless of gender. Don't let it discourage you; instead, use it as fuel to keep pushing forward. Take charge of your opportunities. Network, seek out chances to prove yourself, and build connections. By actively pursuing opportunities, you increase your chances of success. Be a trailblazer. Use your own success story to advocate for change in your industry. Make it easier for future generations of women by breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Don't let stereotypes or biases hold you back. There are countless examples of women who have excelled in male-dominated fields. Use these stories as inspiration and motivation to overcome any obstacles you face.She says: “In summary, my advice is simple: let your work do the talking, be resilient in the face of challenges, seize opportunities, and use your success to pave the way for others. Don't be afraid to speak up when something is wrong, either for yourself or others. Believe in your ability to create positive change and never underestimate the power of your voice.”This discussion of women empowerment may not ever end, as Hajma Haq comments: “Witnessing women leaders reach the upper echelons of the business world globally in recent years has been a cause for optimism. Women are breaking new ground in traditionally male-dominated industries like aviation, army, and construction. While I remain optimistic about the future, statistics leave much to be desired. Only 5.8% of Fortune 500 companies are run by women CEOs. I refuse to believe that this statistic paints a true picture of the managerial competencies of women.”
