For me compromise means compromising your ego above organisational goals
Published on : Wednesday 08-03-2023
Anita Kukreja, Head of Marketing and Channel Sales, IceWarp India.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is an opportunity to honour those who have been at the forefront of the fight against gender discrimination and inequities in legal, civil, and human rights, as well as those who are constantly breaking down barriers in their own ways to offer greater opportunities and role models for younger females in their respective fields. International Women's Day is a day set aside each year to raise awareness of the numerous challenges that women encounter in their pursuit of equality. Many women and girls throughout the world continue to be denied some of the most basic human rights: like equal pay for equal work, gender equality, reproductive rights, and protection against violence and abuse against women.
What are your career aspirations? Did you have an aspiration to follow this field already at an early age? What was the source of inspiration?
I have been lucky to have mentorship from leaders who helped me identify this at an early age and also the clarity to pursue my dreams.
Compromise – what does it mean to you in your professional life and in your family life?
For me compromise means compromising your ego above organisational goals. It’s always company first rather than your personal preferences. There is a team who looks up to you and your leadership, there are so many families who are dependent on the success of the organisation so every decision that you take has to be with the consideration of the same.
Are there professions which are easier for women to pursue? What makes the other professions more difficult?
Traditionally there have been certain professions that are more accessible to women than to men. For example, professions in the healthcare field like nursing and teaching are typically dominated by female professionals. These professions often offer women more flexible hours, less stringent requirements for physical strength, and can be more easily combined with family life. Additionally, there is often less of a gender wage gap within professions that are traditionally female-dominated.
On the other hand, professions such as construction, engineering, and other STEM fields are traditionally dominated by men. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from sexism and gender-based biases to a lack of representation and role models for young girls. Many women in these fields will also face challenges such as gender discrimination, micro-aggressions, and unfair expectations. Overall, the accessibility of certain professions is largely dependent on the gender biases and societal expectations that exist in our society, which can make it more difficult for women to pursue certain professional paths. Having said all of that I do believe that nothing is impossible for women if we are determined enough. And today with women reaching to space and rising and shining in every field it’s no more biased towards a man-oriented profession.
How did you experience work from home – as a boon or as a burden?
Working from home has been a mixed experience for women leaders like me, with both advantages and challenges. On the one hand, it has allowed many women to have more flexibility in their schedules, eliminate their daily commute, and spend more time with their families. This has been particularly beneficial for women who have caregiving responsibilities for children, elderly parents, or other family members.
On the other hand, I noticed that the set-up also presented challenges for women leaders, such as increased isolation, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and difficulties in managing remote teams. It was at times harder to “juggle” professional and personal responsibilities. The experience of working from home has been different for every professional, depending on their individual circumstances and work arrangements. Some have found it to be a boon, while others have experienced it as a burden. Personally I had a great time bonding with my son and this gave me an opportunity to get a lot of quality time with him.
Have you ever missed a career opportunity or promotion due to multiple demands on you as a female? If yes, were you able to voice your thoughts to those who mattered?
Well, to be candid I had to take a short sabbatical after my pregnancy but that was a personal choice and I don’t regret that at all since I wanted to bask in the happiness of motherhood.
In what way is today's workplace better than at the turn of the millennium with respect to gender issues?
Since the turn of the millennium, there has been noticeable progress in the workplace with respect to gender issues. There is more awareness and conversation around gender issues in the workplace today. Due to the greater representation of women in leadership roles, there has been a gradual increase in the number of women in leadership positions in recent years, with more women occupying senior management and executive roles than ever before. This has helped to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces and has provided role models for younger women. Greater recognition is given to the need for flexible work arrangements today, such as remote work, job sharing, and flexible hours, which can be beneficial for women who have caregiving responsibilities or other personal commitments. From a regulation standpoint also, there’s a considerable improvement with an increased awareness of workplace harassment and discrimination policies along with other supportive policies and practices.
While there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equity in the workplace, these changes certainly represent important progress in recent years.
Why do we need more women in leadership?
Women in leadership are important for a variety of reasons. They bring valuable perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table that can help businesses succeed. Having more women in leadership positions can also help to create better working environments, improve diversity, and foster inclusivity. Women in leadership roles can also provide role models for other women, allowing them to see what is possible if they are willing to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices. Additionally, studies have shown that having more women in leadership leads to higher profits and more successful companies, showing that the impact of female leadership cannot be understated.
What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?
In recent years, there have been some encouraging developments in the tech industry in terms of gender equality. There is certainly an increase in the representation of women in the tech industry, both in technical and non-technical roles. Many tech companies have introduced policies and practices that support women in the workplace as there’s also greater awareness of gender bias and there are now more advocacy groups and initiatives aimed at supporting women in tech.
However, there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equity in the industry, but the progress made so far is a positive step in the right direction.
“What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life”
Today, we have made significant strides towards achieving gender equality, with more and more women breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings in every field imaginable. Women are now CEOs, political leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs, and their contributions to society are finally being recognised and valued.
But while we have made progress, there is still much work to be done. Women continue to face discrimination, harassment, and violence in many forms, and we must continue to fight for equality and justice for all women, especially those who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
One of the key areas where progress is still needed is in the workplace. Despite the strides that have been made, women continue to face significant challenges in their careers, including pay inequity, lack of representation in leadership roles, and discrimination.
Share a women's empowerment moment that inspired you.
I have been fortunate to experience countless moments of inspiration throughout my career. But one moment that particularly stands out to me is a powerful women empowerment moment that touched my heart and inspired me.
I was attending a women's empowerment event in a bustling city. The room was filled with women from all walks of life, united in their quest for equality and justice. As I sat there, taking in the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, a woman took to the stage to share her story.
She began by telling us about her journey as a young girl growing up in a rural village, where girls were often denied education and forced to marry at a young age. She spoke of the challenges she faced and the obstacles she had to overcome to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
But what struck me the most were her unwavering determination and her refusal to let anyone else define her worth or limit her potential. Despite the odds stacked against her, she never lost faith in herself or her abilities.
As she spoke, I felt a surge of emotion welling up inside of me. This woman's strength, resilience, and courage were truly awe-inspiring,
How would you describe yourself in just three words?
Visionary. Resilient. Spirited.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field of Marketing and Communications in the IT Industry, Anita is currently working as Head – Marketing & Channels at IceWarp. She is responsible for leading the Go to market strategy for Channels along with creating the marketing strategies & driving marketing operations for India & Middle East region. Anita also oversees expansion of business through strategic alliances and partnerships to stay ahead in the game. Being Head of Marketing & Channels, Anita also supports the Customer interactions with CXO level engagement and also works with the management team to maintain the collective work to a good standard. She is passionate about building Brands.
Specialties: Media & Analyst Relations, Event Management, Marketing Strategy, CRM, Channel Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, Team Management.
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