India’s economic growth has been accompanied by significant progress in women’s education and health. However, despite these advancements, the increase in women’s participation in the workforce, especially in the formal sector, has been limited. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including societal expectations regarding caregiving roles, safety concerns, low wages, and insufficient leave policies. Gender intersects with other facets of identity, such as religion, socioeconomic status, caste, and geographic location, further influencing women’s workforce participation.
At PSI India Private Limited (IPL), women are challenging these barriers, reshaping societal norms, and redefining leadership. PSI India, aligned with its parent organization, focuses on enhancing the health and well-being of individuals, with a particular emphasis on family planning, HIV prevention, maternal health, and more. Within this framework, gender equality isn’t merely a principle but a strategic approach toward fostering improved health outcomes.
We’ve had the privilege of hearing the inspiring stories of five remarkable women—Suma Pathy, Rasheeda, Vidhi Kalra, Ankita Gambhir, and Harsha Tomar—who are making waves at PSI India. Their narratives shed light on the transformative impact of gender equality in the workplace. Listen to their stories below.
Suma Pathy has been appointed as the Chief of Party for USAID’s Samagra initiative. She highlighted the significance of mentorship not only for women in the early phases of their careers but also for those who ascend to senior positions, where they might find themselves as the sole woman in the room.
Rasheeda, a tele-counselor, assists women and their partners with inquiries regarding family planning and medical abortion products. She finds fulfillment in her role as it enables her to engage with consumers directly, providing solutions without the need for them to step out of their homes.
Vidhi Kalra leads digital marketing for Viya, a platform dedicated to providing women with information, products, and services related to sexual and reproductive health. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating women’s perspectives when crafting such services. Initially, discussing topics like women’s sexual pleasure in a room dominated by men felt uncomfortable for her. However, as more women have joined the workforce, such conversations have gradually become commonplace and accepted.
Ankita Gambhir leads communications for the USAID Samagra program, led by PSI. She indicates that as a young woman, conducting field visits in peri-urban and rural areas can pose challenges. In numerous instances, women are not permitted to engage directly with her. Instead, she must first communicate with the men and convey her intentions before being able to interact with the women.
After returning from maternity leave, Harsha Tomar was swiftly promoted to Innovations Lead for USAID Samagra because of her strong performance. She embraced this new role with determination, alongside navigating the demands of new motherhood. Facing limited support at home and recognizing the deficiencies in infant daycare facilities, Harsha chose to temporarily work from home and occasionally bring her baby (accompanied by a nanny) to the office. While this is a short term arrangement that falls outside of current HR policies, Harsha envisions a future where workplaces become more adaptable to retain women not just in India, where post-childbirth dropout rates are high, but around the globe.
