Jen Lindsay #4

We are having so many opportunities to meet with powerful women, learn about graduate programs offered at different Universities, and cultural activities. To see the great changes women have made progressing professionally is great. The change is happening so quickly that even between two generations respect for women in the workplace, the home and educational settings has noticably improved. But it is also important to remember that although many people are supportive of women in leadership, still more of the population believes a women's leadership should occur in the household. We held a q&a session with the highest executives of a textile unit in Coimbatore, concerning their factory and what roles women play in their great success. In response to my question, I donot see any women represented here, the CEO identified a woman standing near the door with a note pad, explaining she is a key player in their office (I think she was a secretary) Throughout this session, I sensed avoidance and discomfort when asked about women positions and leadership in the professional world. As a summary, his opinion (which can be generalized to most of the population of India outside of higher education universities)are supportive of women attending universities and having carreers, but feel it should not interfere with their responsibilites of the household and the family. During a personal interview I had with a family business owner, I discovered he inherited his business from his wife's father, and she doesnot work in the factory. Both (the CEO and the business owner) explained that although their wives and children were not official employees of their businesses, they still play important roles in the sucess of the business. After some avoidance by them and more specific questions by me, I discovered most responsibilites expected by the women is to support the men in their decisions and work lifestyle (late hours, traveling). Although both explained they would not have a problem with women working in their positions, they explained their positions' lifestyles were not suited for Indian women, and that women chose not to reach for such jobs. Also, they explained they would be supportive of their wives working, as long as it did not interfere with the responsibilities they have to the household and the family. Although it was frustrating talking to both of these men, and I left both situations with a sick angry feeling in my stomach, it was important to see that there is still a lot of change that needs to occur to reach equality here in India.