Women at Work

What better time could it be to pen down my thoughts than now when the brouhaha around Ash and Alia's representation of India at Cannes Film Festival hasn't settled yet! Women from all walks of society are under laser focus - always getting judged, aren't they?

It isn't incognizance anymore, thanks to 4IR, that women go through phenomenal changes compared to the other gender. But it's not limited to the appearance alone. Their path is so fraught with challenges that the basic continuity of work, pursuing work ambitions, or clinging on to her coveted position often becomes will-defying for even the most obdurate ones. While the internet is replete with tales and quotes of those that have made a mark, my column here is an ode to my unique jaunt juggling home and work.

The initial work years were exciting, learning the ropes of corporate world and balancing home with an unusually understanding husband. But it wasn't long before I got into a bumpy ride as we braced up for our first and only son's "hello world!" moment - I guess most s/w Engineer mums have coded that so many times in a panoply of languages (C, Java, etc, etc) that they can't think of a better phrase than that welcoming their first! As was the wont, I took a break, but returning back to workforce once my son started toddling was far from a walk in the park. My guilt was galore as I watched him through the square glass window of his Daycare room - he was crying hysterically and uttering the only words he could, 'mamma, door; mamma door'. DB2 Exam 700 preparation material, clutched in one hand, clamoured for attention but my eyes refused to budge from my infant's stretched pleading little arms! Later I aced the test but was compelled to brave leaving my precious one with his dad to snag the opportunity, far from home within the then country of residence - US, that came up after a plethora of complex interviews during 2008-2009 recession.

Life was a battlefield of emotions and ambitions ever since. With my spouse's change in deputed locations, a couple of more inter-continent moves and job changes ensued, leaving my career hyperventilating in an endless catching-up race for the most basic and indispensable ask - a job! 

I am immensely thankful to Infosys and fellow Infoscians to welcome me into the corporate folds in Australia. In this platform, I finally found my feet to slake my professional aspirations with a talented team, guideg by exemplary leadership. 

My son is almost twenty now, chalking a career path of his own. When in introspection I often deliberate on what could've been done differently, I still grope for a firm answer, for neither my toddler asked me to quit for his care nor my spouse insisted me to follow him around the globe. They were my choices, premised on my abilities of handling the demands of my situations. 

I have learnt that the art of balancing both worlds is up to us. In that relentless act, we do it all - trade a few rungs of corporate growth ladder for some priceless emotional bonds or cry our eyes out leaving our loved ones behind for an offer at work.

The message to all my women colleagues is - the court, the judge, the gavel are in your heart and hands; there is no right or wrong decision, no recognition or retribution! Work your way out - believe that the reins are in your control!

Dona, Sydney, June '26