Women at work – gender diversity in print - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column
8 March is International Women’s Day. On this day, women in print discuss the gender imbalance in the industry and what can be done with print.
The Sunday Column (with editorial support from Charmiane Alexander) looks at how the gender imbalance afflicts the print industry
08 Mar 2020 | 3052 Views | By PrintWeek Team
Ahana Mukherjee, TechNova
Mindsets are changing, allowing even combat roles for females. Because of companies like TechNova we are getting even exciting frontline roles.
Today’s print solutions also require a different value selling approach than traditional sales.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
Demonstrating gender-neutral policies in action may help the most. Also extra efforts towards ensuring workplace safety. TechNova’s policies have always given us this positive vibe.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
My team. The combined qualities of being driven, ethical, loving and a learning soul is the perfect role model that inspires me every day.
Ambika Yadav, Colorjet
The printing industry has traditionally been a male-dominated business, but the scenario is changing. More and more women are willing to join the industry in different roles like marketing, sales, engineering, and R&D.
With growing opportunities and changing mindset of the industry players, they have started having women in their teams. Now women are not hired merely as the face of the company in marketing roles, they are actually proving their worth and taking leadership roles. They are becoming an asset to the company.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
By opening up new roles for women in the production segment, it can be a boon for the industry. Women are demanding equal representation in each and every field and I am sure they can be a performer in this segment as well. Furthermore opening new roles for women in the marketing and sales department can also enhance their leadership skills.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?|
We have so many examples in our industry that will boost the confidence of women and inspire them to join this industry.
When I joined this industry I had a corporate sales profile, it was an experimental role for me. It made me learn about the demand for advertising and print technicalities. I come from an agency background and did not know much about the printing industry. But I have known Smarth Bansal for many years when he used to visit the printing exhibitions. At that time, women's participation in this segment was low. I always wanted to be like him and have the same energy and passion towards printers and printing technologies. It is a great pleasure to work in his team. We need to have more men like him who are supportive of their women colleagues and willing to provide a platform to showcase their skills.
Women in the field of training |
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Radha Ramesh, general manager, Dhote Offset Technokrafts Is print now a better industry for women to work in? What is the best way to attract more women into the sector? The silver lining is that as compared to 10 years ago, today there are many more women willing to enter the print field. The government has also recognised Print as a skill under the Media & Entertainment sector arm of National Skill Development Council (NSDC), thanks to the effort of institutes like DOT Institute of Graphic Communication which was instrumental in ensuring print media technology is recognised as a specialised skill by NSDC. Where women are now standing shoulder to shoulder with men, print needs to reach out to the vast women workforce in the employable sector and connect with them and show their future in print. Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model and why so? So we can take inspiration from Surekha Yadav (the first train driver), Bachendri Pal (first Indian woman to climb Mt. Everest), Wing Commander Shaliza Dhami (first woman officer to become a Flight Commander) and not to forget India Gandhi, the first lady Prime Minister of India, a woman of unparalleled courage and determination. |
Ekta Mhatre, TechNova
With rapid digitisation, automation and focus on quality control there are exciting new areas for companies to provide equal opportunities as compared to traditional labor-intensive manufacturing-driven organisation. We are already seeing a move from design studios to enter into the print shopfloor, plus there are quality labs and on-field customer management roles.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
TechNova provides a fantastic environment of safety and equality in every aspect of our job. I think the same can work for any organisation in our industry.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
We all need role models but not necessarily from industry. In my case it’s my mother from whom I have learned to be relentless in efforts and be absolutely ethical in doing so.
Farheen Hodekar, Jayna Packaging
I think there's no such industry where a woman can't work. A woman is capable to work anywhere at any post. As we can see women are riding auto-rickshaws to being a CEO at an MNC plus managing household work. So if a woman can manage her career and look after her house, she can do anything.
And yes, print is a better industry for women. The print industry is a very unique industry from others because we get to learn and explore new things each and every day.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
By generating more and more work opportunities for women. Making society aware of how one can achieve remarkable success despite being a woman. I feel, in this industry all that matters is your hard work not your gender, unlike some other industries.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
It's a matter of choice which depends from person to person. But I think there should be someone whose work we should idolise and look up to because we can learn so many things from the person. This will give a direction to our career.
My role model is my mom. Being a single parent is not easy, but she has raised and educated me well. She has faced many difficulties but has stayed strong and taught me to stay strong. She is my major source of inspiration.
Women in the field of training |
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Prof Padmaja Joshi, PVG College of Engineering and Technology
Please explain why … What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? In fact the more neutral we are towards these "male-female" debates, the better it is for the society and for all "humans". |
Gayathiri Madheswaran, Rashid Printer
The print industry is better for women to work in as long as, you are not bothered about surrounded by men all the time. Also there should be zero hesitation to work in an environment where you will be the only woman among hundreds of men. And finally, you should be ready (all the time) to listen to these words “What does she know?”
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
There should be many more opportunities and less of gender-based discrimination. Also, women should feel they are secure here. The mantras at print houses should be “many more women in the industry”. This will give confidence for many more women to enter the print industry. Right now, many women hesitate to choose the print industry because they assume the print industry is not safe for women.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
Yes, sometimes role models give you the confidence to sustain in a male-dominated industry. A few months ago, I came across an article about Charlotte Guillard probably the first lady in the print industry. This was the early 1500s where gender-based discrimination was much more rampant than today. I admire her every day. More for her will power and confidence to breach the male-dominated industry bastion. She is a role model for women in printing.
Women in the field of training |
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Ramalakshmi Nizam, director, YesGo Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ... What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? |
Hema Java, Java Paper
Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
Being a relatively new entrant into the print industry, it's been a very encouraging place to be ever since I joined.
The industry acknowledges the lack of women in the sector and I do see a good effort to make it a comfortable place for us to work.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
I guess this would happen organically, starting with visiting education centres and colleges in this field of study to encourage women students to join this industry. Another thing would be, a safe work environment and clean working conditions to increase the women participation in production roles.
Kirti Thakur, Orient Press
The printing industry gives everyone an opportunity to learn something new every day. Companies have started following a process to make the workplace safe. The demand for creativity in the industry makes it more interesting. Various new colour experiments, shapes, styles, applications, boxes, booklets, etc interest us regularly. So yes it a better industry for women to work in.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
The best way to attract women in this sector is to provide them with training and proper guidance. A good mentor should always appreciate all the efforts and hard work of the women employees. This is the main issue in today's male-dominated sector. I personally feel retaining women in the industry is a bigger challenge than attracting them.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
I think a woman has to think of herself as a role model. The industry currently does not have many women role models. But if you are working in this industry, it means you have to overcome a lot of challenges and work hard for it. All we need to do is work on the skills and knowledge and take a positive step from time to time. I feel proud of myself and so should every other woman who is working in this industry.
Women leading the print sector |
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Jennie Stevens, director- advertising, G&K–Vijuk International Q: What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Q: Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? |
Prajakta Kanitkar, Dhote Offset Technokrafts
Yes, our industry is very creative. A woman is a ‘born artist’ hence perfect for this industry. In addition, she has qualities of time management, skillful coordination, relationship building and the ability to keep people together. She has all the qualities required to be a successful career woman and therefore perfect for any industry including print.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
In my opinion, the government and the private sector should incentivise the printing courses for women and recognise them for their contribution in the printing industry. There is a need to provide free technical training and get more women interested in this industry.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
Each woman is special in her own way. My role model is Amila Singhvi, a member of the Development Council for the Print Industry and the first woman to get the MMS, Lifetime Achievement Award. I recall her quote, “If you chase perfection, you often catch excellence”. This is a perfect motivation for all women in print. I am also inspired by Rani V Chitale who is associated with Poona Press Owner's Association (PPOA) and Medha Virkar who is associated with Kaleido Graphics.
Prabhsharan Kaur, Avery Dennison India
Indeed, we have come a long way when we talk of women in print and packaging industry. There is significant growth in women venturing into this Industry, however, they still have to face unconscious biases in the Industry. From an age where there were just men operating in Print, the situation today is far more better. Atleast, now in every gathering of 50 print industry people you will see that almost 8-10% of them would be women. That's because the impact of having a women contributing as an employee or even as a business owner is at least two folds more and its clearly visible. At the same time, I must applaud the men in the Industry who have actually contributed in opening doors for potential women at work, thereby, making it a conducive environment.
2). What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
Well, for starters, positioning more women in customer facing role and operational role will definitely help challenge the unconscious biases involved. Also, it is very important to provide a clean and healthy work environment to them on ground. And at the same time, providing equal growth opportunities to women plays a very significant role in attracting them to this Industry. Eg: At Avery Dennison, women are given an equal platform to showcase their skills and potential in the organization. The very fact that the organization recognises its employees and values their opinion makes all the difference.
3). Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
Of course, everyone has a role model irrespective of one's gender. In my view, a role model can be anybody whose qualities and courage one aspires and look upto. I personally believe there are qualities to aspire for in each one of us not just industry specific. But for me it would have to Indra Nooyi and closer to my life, is my mother. Both of them have equally different roles however, the common denominator to both are courage to take a stand and resilience at the heart. I am in absolute awe of Indra nooyi and the way she has managed her life all through work and personal space.
Priyanka Manjunath, Fab-R-Signs
I truly believe there isn’t a place, job or task a woman can’t accomplish in our society. It’s only now that most women in business are getting recognised for their hard work and skillset. This is so even though women have dedicated their lives for decades.
How so?
I’m a proud woman in a man’s world. I have been running my printing unit for four years. I enjoy this industry since we get to be so creative and colourful. Above all, I get to transform designs on a computer into life as a print on fabric or flex. I do not believe this was ever an industry just for men.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
Our industry may not be very welcoming for women at first. But times, they are a-changing. Society is more accepting and women are much-more determined and agile than they used to be. I have come across a few women designers and printers who are ready to work round the clock. Unfortunately, our country is not a very safe place for women to work at odd hours. This is the only drawback I have faced thusfar. Apart from that I am sure women are slowly creating beautiful footprints in all industries.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
I do not have any sort of a role model, But I definitely have principles and a strong set of values. I dream huge dreams, which motivates me every day to do better and accomplish great things. I have always wanted to provide maximum employment and be the best in our industry. I’m extremely determined to achieve my goals and will not stop until I have conquered all.
Women leading the print sector |
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Mrunal Kulkarni, director at Keetronics (India)
In all industry verticals, the print industry has tremendous scope. Whether being a designer, artist, print engineer, machine operator to a supervisor, type of various roles women can perform using their inherent abilities of artistic nature, sincerity, dedication. There are a number of women I have seen in various industries at different portfolios. In my organisation, we have women who are operating screen printing machines and laser devices. Our department heads are women who oversee their respective teams and verticals successfully from the last 15+ years. They have become the pillars of the Keetronic success story. According to me, this is one of the best places for women to work - and lead the ops. What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry? |
Prutha Kedar, Kodak India
Yes, I would agree it’s better. The reason being there are more professional courses today that prepare you for this industry. Also, this is an industry which deals with a very important part in a consumer's life: print and package. With so many innovations, technological advances, new products, brands, e-commerce developing, this industry has become more streamlined.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
I think, creating more opportunities for women, training more women to work in the manufacturing sector . Companies can evaluate their man to woman ratio in their workspace.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
Honestly, speaking, I do not have any particular role model. But working / interacting/ reading about the amazing work women are doing in this industry really amazes me and motivates me.
Rashmi Ravinarayan, Trigon Digital Solutions
The print is a great industry to work in. There is a lot of innovation and creative thoughts involved right from designing until the final print.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
A platform that can throw light about various women who are already in this sector (sharing their work experience).
This can give more confidence, awareness, and guidance to other women looking for a career in print. Also, a friendly atmosphere, work appreciation, freedom to share ideas and constant support are added ways to encourage women to work and grow in any industry.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
This new age has a lot of women entrepreneurs in various fields creating their mark. I think we can be our own role models and try to do something new and different plus inspire others too.
Women leading the print sector |
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Sonal Sheth, director, Sheth Printographic Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? |
Rupali Bhosale, Spectrum Scan
Print industry consists of the traditional processes like offset, screen and digital.Historically print used to be a highly labour intensive industry.However due to massive digitization and automation, print does not require much labour these days.Women due to their highly multi-tasking capabilities can now contribute more efficiently to print industry to help streamline the operations and improve productivity.This means they can now manage and run the whole process independently.Also at lower levels women are skilled enough to manage jobs where large amount of detailing is required, for example pasting, kitting, final finishing of product and so on.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
There are lot of career options available today for women due to the wide courses made available by both government and private institutions.Printing since time and even today is always considered as a male dominated industry.This is due to lack of awareness and knowledge among family members or due to lack of courses available to impart knowledge in this sector.
People are only aware on limited courses which women can pursue as their career like desk based jobs, computer related or accounts related jobs.However once this mind-set about the printing industry changes, we will see more and more women pursuing printing as their career. This change will be great for the printing industry too.For example printing bodies like AIMPA, BMPA can conduct short / long term courses for women to help them pursue printing as a career.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry and why so?
When someone comes into this industry, they are not aware about their role models, hence it is not necessary to have anyone as their role model. I for instance came from a commercial background before entering into this industry. However with course of time and opportunities made available, I started looking after the technical parts of the business as well.
When I came into this industry, I had zero experience and was absolutely raw for this field but I had made up my mind to face the challenges in this sector. Gradually with time, Spectrum became my family and an integral part of my life.
Shashikala Joshi, TechNova
The strength of women in the print industry has improved. Overall, in the manufacturing sector, one finds more women in support functions like QC, R&D, Testing Labs, etc. rather than in core manufacturing or on the production line. This could be because of the nature of work, working in shifts and being perceived more of a job rather than a career option.
However, with the printing industry getting more computerised and the processes getting automated, I believe this could be a field that women can pursue as a career ... but this may take some more time.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
This could be examined in two phases. According to me phase one is: At the entry-level large printing houses need to create strong links with schools and colleges to attract young women into the sector. They could give scholarships to the girl students for opting for printing technology & related courses. Also, organise career fairs at women’s colleges, conduct technical training programmes and seminars by women leaders from the printing industry. Also in order to attract qualified female qualified applicants, printing company’s websites should clearly reflect the company’s commitment towards gender diversity, safety measures, and practices for women, presence of active POSH committees, etc.
What is phase II?
Retention of women at the mid and senior level because it is often seen that many women drop out as they move up the ladder. Printing companies could address this issue through various initiatives, such as offer real work-life balance by having more progressive employment practices like flexi-time, part-time and home-based work which would help many women. Also, have creche facilities in the vicinity of the workplace plus specialised programmes for women who want to re-join the industry after a break. Furthermore have a significant number of women in policy making and power positions, and develop professional mentoring programs for women in all stages of their careers. Finally, empower women and put them in leadership positions and ascertain women are heard and they are provided with psychological safety to speak freely.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
I think it is important for women to see role models they can aspire to emulate. I don’t know many women leaders in this industry. However, there are many role models from other industries, Indra Nooyi being one of them.
Sulochana Pathak, Weener Empire
In terms of the number of women entering the industry, yes things look better but we still don't see enough women at the higher management level especially in the manufacturing front. In fact, there are still companies that exclusively mention while placement drives, that female candidates cannot apply. We have a long way to go.
What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
Better working conditions and representation. Most of the industries in printing do not have the standard laws in place w.r.t. women's safety i.e., sexual harassment policies, maternity, parental leaves policy. I feel it is a male-dominated industry, and women have very low chances* of growth. So the organisation of the industries and implementing strict measures to make the workplace safe and convenient for women would be a great start to get more women in key positions.
Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
At this point, there are not enough women at higher positions. In fact, I was in awe when our head of quality for pan-India was a woman. We need many more people along with tangible steps to get more women interested in this field. As for me, I think every woman I come across who speaks her mind and has battled against the odds is a superstar. Because I know it has not been an easy task.
Shyamala Viswanathan, manufacturing controller, Tech Mahindra |
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Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why... Technology, Avinashilingam University for Women, School of Engineering) is a good example of this. Each year many girl students graduate and there is 100% placement to-date. This means the print industry is on the lookout for women employees. In this industry, women have immense scope in leadership role or management role after the completion of an engineering degree in Printing. What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Performance Awards in many organisations. Another way is that female employees may give priority to females for referrals’. Above all, I feel, we can start LinkedIn groups like the Victoria Print Network and SGIA in India. With this, we can create a mission and work towards fulfilling the vision of women the print industry Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model? (Editor’s note: Shyamala Viswanathan will be joining Eeandu on 16 March - a Women’s Day gift). |