On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2018, we asked the women of top b-schools across India to highlight their achievements, views on feminism, the #MeToo campaign and their perception of gender inequality in our country.
Hey, this is Komal. I am a Delhi girl, having completed 18 years in the same city made me exceptionally strong as a female while commuting at odd hours of the day. I am a chemical engineer by profession, I hold internships from eminent firms such as IOCL, Zee Media. I am an explorer and what better city could I be in right now! I love writing about what I feel. Earlier they used to say the pen is mightier than the sword, but now we say keys! I am passionate about trying new cuisines and flavours from around the world.
Which female icon has inspired you the most and why?
I have so many in mind, but I would say Kalpana Chawla because she's an example of how education can make a difference in your life which no divine power ever can. She made her dreams come true even after coming from a state where education for girls was not even considered. I admire her beauty and the charm she had in all phases of her life.
What kind of impact do you think the #MeToo campaign created?
It made women more open to topics they earlier used to avoid because they were scared of how people would react and judge them for it. A lot of controversies surrounding the campaign made it even more popular around the world. The essence made clear that you might not state what exactly happened, but the core issue is it had penetrated to such huge masses without making drawing other’s attention for such a long time
What are your thoughts and feelings about such movements?
I want all individuals, whether male, female or any other gender, who have faced any such experience should raise their voices and be vocal about what is happening around them and make everyone aware about it.
What attitudes towards women have you encountered by men in education - professors and students - that you wish to be corrected?
I have personally not experienced it in the education space because everyone is in the same position and pursuing what they want out of their life.
Having gotten the benefit of elite education, how do you plan to pass it on to other disadvantaged women?
Even at the college level, I try helping underprivileged girls by teaching them through social bodies of IIT Bombay. I have hosted multiple fashion shows for acid survivor girls to celebrate the inner beauty a woman should be proud of. In future, I want to help young girls by contributing to their education and career on a larger scale. Because one independent woman can lead an entire family successfully.