“The greatest lesson a woman should learn is, that since day one, she’s already had everything she needs within herself. It’s the world that convinced her she did not.” – Rupi Kaur
Empowered women empower women. This quote rings true, especially in these times. Because when you educate a girl, you educate a community.
March 8, every year is the International Women’s Day, reckoned and recognized all over the world to celebrate the essence of women who have broken barriers bestowed upon them, shook the shackles they are told to stay within, smashed patriarchy which they are told to adjust with, prevailed over adversities to assert their rights and inclusiveness in this unjust society. This world has been an unfair place for them. The times are changing.
From not being allowed to step outside homes to now ruling nations. From not being allowed to schools to now teaching in the educational institutions. From not being allowed to work to being the ones who call the shots in so many companies. The list of restrictions imposed on what women should do and should not, are so many. And one by one, women have been throwing them away, to do things they wish to, to live life the way they want to.
The transformation from there to here has not been an easy journey for women. Why fit into a glass slipper when you can shatter the glass ceiling? Let’s celebrate women today. And every day.
At DCKAP, we take pride in making gender equality a priority. We promote and encourage diversity in all forms, and bring about holistic organizational changes towards the betterment of working condition for women in every means possible – maternity leave, flexible working hours, work from home option and more, to make this workplace a comfortable space for every woman who is part of DCKAP.
Right from the inception of DCKAP, women have played (and still play) an integral part in shaping up this company the way it is today. On this occasion, we asked our women leaders who have been with us for more than five years, to tell what is it about being here, to compile a narrative about their contributions and achievements associated with DCKAP and beyond.
Bhavani, Quality Architect
What is the best advice you have got?
Keep on learning. Never stop learning.
What are the books you learned the most from?
There have been many books. But to list them, I would tell Bhagavad Gita, Ponniyin Selvan and Thirukurral. My perspectives and understanding of life have changed after I got engrossed and read these books.
Have you been able to achieve work-life balance?
Yes, with proper planning and scheduling on works, I manage a very healthy work-life balance.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will be a leader in the domain I am part of. And I would like to see myself in love with the world having the best time of my life.
Sivaranjani, Associate Quality Architect
Have you been able to achieve work-life balance?
Yes, I prioritize my work accordingly. I don’t compensate my personal well being, making sure I spend ample time with my kids and husband. Because they are my happiness source.
What was the most challenging thing you experienced in your career as a woman and how did you overcome it?
After the birth of my child, it was hard to find a work-life balance. I even felt guilty that I was not giving enough time for the kids they needed. Then, I started to prioritize the work with my better half being always by my back. Overcoming this was possible because of a flexible work schedule. And I am proud to say, DCKAP is women and mother-friendly company which let me embrace and enjoy motherhood.
What is the inspiring message/advice to younger self you want to give?
Listen to others and ask more questions even if you know the answers. Push yourself outside the comfort zone – difficult at first. But it makes you grow.
Amala, Product Lead
What is the best advice you have got?
Decisions are the hardest thing to make, especially when it is a choice between where you should be and where you want to be
Have you been able to achieve work-life balance?
We have to decide what our priorities are and say “no” to other things. Try to allocate time for reading, do something worth writing and spend valuable time with family. These I feel will help you attain a good work-life balance.
What is the inspiring message/advice to younger self you want to give?
Try to build a career on what you want, and not on what others want you to do. Put fears aside. Step out. Lead the world.
Lavanya, Associate Technical Architect
Tell us something about your Mentor.
I am so glad I have got Thomas as a mentor to me. Not just with things related to DCKAP and work, beyond that, Thomas has been of great help to me, by advising and suggesting a lot related to life.
What are your hobbies?
There is nothing best than spending some quality time with our family who loves you unconditionally. My family has been the biggest strength and have always been with and believed in whatever I desired to do. Apart from this, I like watching movies.
What do you consider as your ultimate goal?
Some time down the lane as life progresses taking me to newer places with newer experiences, I wish to see myself as the CEO of a startup.
What is your favorite music?
Ilayaraja, forever! There’s a little bit of Raja in everything, ain’t? He weaved music for every emotion we felt, or could ever feel. Think of your relationships, breakups or the loss of the one you love, without the presence of Ilayaraj. Isn’t he our redemption even in this day and age?
Shanmugapriya P, Associate Technical Architect
Who do you consider as your best mentor?
Mr. Clint Mario Cleetus, the CEO of my first organization, is my mentor. I learned how to be ethical by seeing his conduct at work. With inherent qualities like generosity, humility, and honesty, there’s so much I learned from him.
Who is your inspiration?
Aplenty. My mom, Dr. Muthu Lakshmi Reddy, Mother Theresa, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Jayalalitha and many more to name. But the one who inspired me the most. Or rather, among millions who were inspired by him, I am one among them – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Tell us about your favorite book.
“You Can Win.” The title itself is so positive. I learned what success is through this book where it says “Success means winning the war, not every battle.”
DCKAP always strives to make our space a gender empowered community, respecting everyone’s efforts. Our doors are always welcome for passionate women to join our team.
