Parents have to first learn to treat both girls and boys alike
Published on : Tuesday 08-03-2022
Dr Rashi Gupta, Founder & Managing Director, Vision Mechatronics Pvt Ltd.
What was the inspiration that prompted you to pursue this career path?
My parents always treated me at par with the boys, I was given computer games at a very early age rather than dolls to play with so being a techie was more so the orientation right from the early age. My father then pushed me to mechanical engineering and then there was no looking back.
Can you recall your early days – say the first few days at work – and anything you would like to mention about that?
My first few days weren't easy as the reality stuck, where a young girl just entered the shrewd male dominated segment, no one believed that I could be as capable and a value asset as any of my male counterparts. I was told that a girl should do the job more suited to her and not be in hard-core STEM. But over a period of time things changed for good. At least now the perspective is changing and there is better acceptance of women than it was when I started.
For a woman, it is a matter of finding the right balance between the jobs and managing the home – how do you manage this?
Striking a work life balance is very important, I personally manage this by delegation and involving everyone around me. Delegation is the key, women often seek perfection and end up doing everything themselves. We need to train and involve people around us to contribute to our daily routine. This helps in a long way.
What challenges (or privileges) do women stereotypically face, based on their gender?
There are both challenges and privileges for women – it is challenging to be in the STEM field and it’s a privilege when you have established yourself there. You have to work really hard to prove yourself and at the same time balance your personal and professional life. Also I personally feel that the challenge lies within us, women have to overcome their mental barrier and treat themselves above the gender, just as professional. Everyone around you will see you as you want them to see you. So treat yourself as a professional but know your subject well and be assertive and firm to overcome any challenge coming your way.
Have you ever missed a career opportunity or promotion due to gender?
Fortunately enough, no; with smart work, perseverance and support of my entire team and family, I have made it through.
Are workplaces today more sensitive to gender issues than say, a decade ago?
Yes workplaces are more sensitive now, and they are changing for good. In my organisation we have made it a point to have equal representation of men and women, and both are treated equally and professionally.
Which women's 'cause' needs to be challenged and changed, first?
I think ‘parenting’ needs to be challenged and changed first, we have to hit the grassroots and it would be easier with the present generation. The parents have to first learn to treat both girls and boys alike, providing them with equal opportunities and with a specific grooming of the male child to be adaptive to family needs and what is expected of them when they grow up. And the female child needs to understand that they can achieve anything under the sun if they are persistently focused and believe in themselves. We have to break the stereotypical roles that have been ongoing for decades. Once there is a change in parenting, there will be a change in the society, which will help all of us create a gender neutral environment.
Are there areas at work that still restrict women when it comes to leadership roles?
Yes there is still a long way to go as women have to change their mind-set first and then break the glass ceiling. Women can exhibit exemplary leadership and that will happen only when they are confident, strategic and smart. Women also shy away from networking and asking for help. We have to change this and be bold. The world out there has opportunities, but are women ready to grab them with all their might and strength? That's one of the biggest restrictions I see. You are your biggest bottleneck. Once you overcome these mental barriers no one can stop a woman from achieving anything and everything she wants
What women-related myths or taboos need to be broken?
The first myth that can be broken is women are suited only for light jobs or soft roles. Women are equally capable and qualified to do the roles that their male counterparts can do. Women just have to unleash their inner strength and taboos will be broken. We are now seeing many women climbing up the ladder which itself is a proof of the unlimited possibilities that are out there.
Do you have a mentor or a role model? If yes, you may state briefly how it inspired you.
My mother has been a strong support throughout this journey and has imbibed gender equality from a very early age. She made sure that I was equipped to face the discriminatory world head on without having to worry about anyone but me. She made sure that my opinions were heard and valued. This also taught me to be patient and gave me good leadership skills.
What would be your message to the youth who are just starting their career?
The present generation has a very high IQ and are quickly adaptable, but at the same time they lose their focus. So it is very important for them to remain focused and keep upgrading their skill sets to match what the industry needs; if they can do this they will have a marvellous career. Also the youth should take up careers which interest them and not just go by the peer pressure or parental pressure, as the peak period of our lives is spent at work and if you do not feel happy and content, it is not the right place to be. Your earnings will multiply faster if your happiness index is high.
Describe yourself or your aspirations, dreams in 3 words.
Mentor. Creator. Happy Soul.
Dr Rashi Gupta, fondly known as ‘Batterywali of India’, is the pioneer in manufacturing of Advanced Lithium Batteries in India along with the ‘world’s smartest lithium battery’. She is the Founder & Managing Director of Vision Mechatronics Pvt Ltd, leading it towards a name to reckon with in the field of Robotics, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage. A Woman Entrepreneur who has been fearless and ferocious in creating a brand for herself and the company in these male dominated fields.
If one takes a closer look at the alchemy of this achiever, two distinct virtues pop up, besides perseverance and hard work. These are: pioneering spirit and willingness. Coupled with an impressive background, it was not therefore surprising that she became a prominent name in the Renewable Energy Sector of India and is featured as Asia’s Most Influential Women in Renewable Energy, 2020. She has been working on gender equality and women empowerment issues globally. She has been awarded the ‘Global Women Leadership 2021’. She has also been featured amongst the first 50 ‘Women in Stem by CII 2021’ for her contribution and excellence in the STEM field. She has been awarded ‘Corporate Guru World Award 2021’ for her work in SDG5 & SDG7.
Dr Gupta is very passionate about Sustainable and Circular Development is focused on SDG 5 & SDG 7. She has been working relentlessly for rural electrification to ensure that the rural schools in India get access to clean and green energy enabling them to be at par with the urban schools. One such example is at a primary school at Katavaram, Andhra Pradesh. She is also collaborating with colleges and universities for development on Women in STEM and the preaching that has been effectively practised for gender equality is having equal representation of men and women in the organisation she heads.
Dr Gupta holds several degrees like BE, MBA, LLM and PhD. She is a committee member of Bureau of Indian Standards for Batteries, Energy Storage and E-Mobility. She is also a Member of the International ElectroTechnical Commission. She is also a committee member of National Energy Storage Committee – FICCI, Chairperson Energy Storage Theme-International Solar Energy Society e. V. (ISES) for SWC2021, CleanTech Business Club – Chair of Task Force – Energy Storage & Smart Energy, Chairperson – Women’s India CleanTech Business Club, CleanTech Business Club Vice Chair India, Advisor-Energy Storage-India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF), and Committee Member IEEE-GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion).
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