The significance of women in workforce and the value they bring has never before been tested like it was during the year of the pandemic. Consider this - 70% of the global health care workers are women! Together they delivered – saving one life at a time, exceeding expectations - with courage, resilience and dedication. And so, on this day we honor them and countless other essential workers that put their life on hold so the rest of us can continue with ours.
My journey as a student and spouse from India to the US started 3.5 decades back. I was blessed with a wonderful lady that volunteered to be my host family. Mrs. Mary Kate Cochrane who lived in the University town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama welcomed me with a warm heart, exuberant attitude and a strong conviction to do the right thing. She soon became my mentor and best friend. She taught me not to be concerned about and waste time trying to change the perception of others. Inequality and/or discrimination had no place in my life thanks to the support and guidance of this wonderful woman. She taught me what matters most is the person behind the appearance and the choices you make.
Over the years when I became the co-founder of our company and got opportunities to interact with people in both countries, I realized that the core problems faced by women in workforce are similar in every country. For the same reason my admiration for the women in our workplace is more because I know they also have the additional responsibilities at home. More is expected from them. While I take pride in seeing how far we have come I also know that unless every little girl and woman have a support system that includes the fathers and husbands and teachers, progress will be slow.
We always talk about “teamwork” and “collaboration” at work. The same must be present in life - a society that gives respect irrespective of gender, a school system that provides the best education to children irrespective of economic status, and a family that sticks together and uplifts each other. A women’s ability is never in question- what is in question is whether the world is ready to tap the largest pool of this resource and empower them at every level.
On this year of #choosetochallenge - I challenge the status quo. Challenge brings change. So, while we celebrate the phenomenal progress that has been made by women in all walks of life, let’s not rest - we know we can do more.
Pictured: IMMCO Inc Co-Founder, Jana Iyer
IMMCO Inc's Co-Founder, Jana Iyer, been with us from the start, for over 25 years.
With extensive experience in project management and economics, she overlooks our operations in India and coordinates with our global teams.