Women at work – gender diversity in print - The Noel D'Cunha Sunday Column

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Ahana Mukherjee, TechNova

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Radha Ramesh, general manager, Dhote Offset Technokrafts Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Traditionally print has been considered a male bastion with very few women entering this field. However, the last few years have seen an improvement in this trend with many women especially the younger generation willing to consider it as a career option. Moreover, the print industry is witnessing a paradigm shift in its approach towards hiring new talents irrespective of their gender. This can be considered a progressive step in the outlook of the industry, something which needs to be endorsed by everyone.   What is the best way to attract more women into the sector? Despite being one of the most technologically innovative and specialised industry, print tends to get ignored in the larger scheme of things, when it comes to being considered as a career option.  This is due to the fact that it is not as widely recognised in India as in the western countries. Print as a subject option is confined to just a few institutions hence the awareness is not widespread. Plus there are too few women students opting for it. It requires a concerted effort from everyone right from education institutions, print industry, peers to create awareness about it being a lucrative field. There is also a misconception of women being ignored for niche positions in print considering it is male dominant. 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? I would say more than a role model, a woman needs to get a sense of equality, of being assured of being treated at par with her male colleagues. One does not need a role model, it is  her belief in herself, her knowledge, values which will take  her to the highest echelons of her career, whichever field she may choose. More than a role model she can take inspiration from women who have dared to be different and who have successfully carved a place for themselves in traditional fields dominated by men. 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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Prof Padmaja Joshi, PVG College of Engineering and Technology  Is print now a better industry for women to work in?  As our society is getting transformed though slowly towards every little Dos and Don'ts, especially for so-called "working woman", such types of questions are sure to arise. More than the industry ready to accept women, I would say it is the other way around.  Please explain why … A woman becomes more and more aware of herself, she has the choice to choose the area she wants to explore. And so, she makes herself eligible to work in the area of choice, may it be printing. If we talk only about the print industry being ready to accept women, well! Today, technology is getting transformed and this has created many opportunities in every department. A variety of skill sets are demanded by the industry, plus interdisciplinary opportunities are available. This is a very promising picture for women to step into the printing industry. What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Apart from offering a safe work environment, equal, non-bias opportunities, a kind of congenial environment to work in, would help to convince more women to choose this career path. Though print is amongst one of the largest industries worldwide, awareness in terms of a "good career-building" option needs to be worked out. Awareness about the higher studies (postgraduate), will also help her to start the profile building at a higher note. Work from home, flexible work timings, ...could be a few options to attract apart from the points mentioned above.  Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? Well, role models are good to look at. More than role models I strongly feel, mentoring is what can help her scale greater heights. Many female role models, not just in print but other industries are always a big motivation. But in my opinion, a role model need not be female for the sake of having one. 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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why...
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

Ramalakshmi Nizam, director, YesGo Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ... I started working in this industry since 1998. I didn’t face any gender restriction. So according to me, print is always a good industry for women to work in What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? Work from home is the most supporting concept for women, however, it doesn’t suit our industry. Perhaps relaxing during (limited time/hours – for hospital/school) working hours will be helpful for passionate working mothers. Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?  I don’t think so because every individual should be identified by their attitude and unique performance. I always believe myself as the role model in this industry This motivates me to take on more challenges in my profession

 

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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why...

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

Jennie Stevens, director- advertising, G&K–Vijuk International Q: Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why … Due to social mores, the printing industry, which heavily involves mechanical skills, it has been a male-dominated field in the USA. Like India, it is roughly 80/20 in favour of the men. However, as more and more females enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) study, there will be a shift. Q: What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? It is happening already. Females at every educational level are encouraged to study STEM. Q: Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? It is a personal thing based on awareness of and who you know in the printing industry. In my case, I did not know anything about the printing industry, other than being a client, and only dealt with male sales reps. I entered the industry doing advertising, but have always been strong in mechanical and mathematical skills, so I do understand the operation and workings of machinery.

 

 

 

Prajakta Kanitkar, Dhote Offset Technokrafts

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why...
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

1). Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Mrunal Kulkarni, director at Keetronics (India)  Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ... Yes, the print industry is vast and the second largest industry in India. There is global growth in print. We are seeing giant strides in new forms like digital, printed electronics, textiles. It has tremendous scope for women because of the need of today's market. This is the era of marketing, advertisements, promotions, presentations, and in each segment, print plays a vital role. From conventional newspapers to eye-catching beautiful packages of the products in malls, showrooms, artistic wedding cards to colourful outfits, printed wedding apparel, fashionable textile, plus business card to artists portfolio, your product brochure to restaurants menu card, graphics on your water bottle to graphics on your luxury cars. 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? Basically the inherent capacities of a woman can make a difference. So giving them a free hand or providing a platform to enter in this industry at various levels will be the game-changer. This is because some people think women are not capable to handle “black collar” jobs like machine operations, maintenance, heavy engineering machines, post-press. But I think the most laborious, manual operations are being carried out by women in various factories. She can not only do hard work but she can also run the presses and factories successfully. Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry? Every woman is a role model for me and for society. She always performs best on one - or many fronts. My role model is Sudha Murthy.

Prutha Kedar, Kodak India

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why?
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Sonal Sheth, director, Sheth Printographic  Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why  Yes, it's certainly a better industry to work in. Especially because there are well-defined courses with which one can equip themselves with a proper degree and qualifications, better working environment and opportunities. What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector? More and more exposure, learning opportunities at college and post-graduate levels. When more women will head the organisation, other women will be encouraged. They will automatically feel safe and secure. Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so? Role models are needed by everyone...be it men or women. And role models can be men and/or women. Role models guide us throughout our life. My role model is my father, HV Sheth, who shows me the path, who has guided me, provided opportunities and exposure to learn at every step. And most importantly trusted me which is most important. His only mantra was “What others can do, I can also do. Never say no.”

Rupali Bhosale, Spectrum Scan

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why?
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why...
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
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

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why... Of course, the print industry is getting better and better for women employees just like other sectors. In the publishing sector, there are women female employees. I feel that it is the responsibility of both employers (major contributor) and women employees to take this forward and make the best out of the print industry. My University (Department of Printing 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? Though many print organisations focus on gender diversity, others need to understand the importance of encouraging and recruiting women employees. In my view, more than an organisation’s responsibility, it is the responsibility of the individual not to project gender diversity. For example, if an organisation has a policy about gender equality, then it should ensure all senior officials are fully aware of it and are adhering to it. In reality, there are many managers who prefer male candidates over females for better productivity and team performance. Despite this, women employees do get Best 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?  Any industry needs a role model. The print industry needs role models, too, especially in the manufacturing sector. Recently I have been recruited as an assistant manager of quality control at Eenadu newspaper where they follow gender equality. I have not had second thoughts on how I might suit this role. I should add that I couldn’t find another lady print graduate in the Indian newspaper industry as yet. I am grateful to Eenadu for providing me this opportunity Who is your role model?  Kate Hughes, the head of the ELT product supply team at Cambridge University Press. She is very enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun-loving, and loves to see more women in the industry. Kate Hughes is my role model. (Editor’s note: Shyamala Viswanathan will be joining Eeandu on 16 March - a Women’s Day gift).