Celebrating And Sharing My Journey & Growth As A Woman On Woman’s Day

Is it possible to grow and succeed without role models and support? If no one supported me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. This International Women’s Day, join me as I explore this year’s theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and how the support of others played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

Redefining Success

I consider myself successful according to my definition. No, I am not talking about titles, career trajectories, or net worth. I am referring to something fundamental that most may take for granted.

To be successful as a woman, I must make my own choices, stand up for myself, live according to my values, and share my opinion without fear of judgment.

Success is being able to fully be myself in a relationship, with all my flaws. It is sharing my fears and successes with my child. It takes a confident, self-aware person to do that.

I have not always started this way. It was a long journey.

The Idea Of A Woman

Growing up in India, my idea of a woman came from watching women in my family. While I was always encouraged to do well academically to succeed, the idea of a woman I noticed around me was very different.

The women in my family took care of the cooking and all other household duties, while the men were the breadwinners. They always treated the men respectfully, catering to them first at holiday dinners.

Compared to my brother, who could come and go as he pleased, I had a lot more restrictions concerning my freedom. Despite these subtle differences, there was always love in the family, so it never did bother me. I understood where they were coming from, wanting to protect their daughter.

The overall message I got from my extended family and society growing up was that men were more valued than women. They made all the significant decisions and were elevated by women in their households. I wanted to experience the same respect without the weight of tradition on my shoulders. Moving to the US laid a path for me in my journey.

The Impact of Female Role Models

When you lack female role models in your immediate life, you look to society and your workplace for inspiration. My growth as a young adult began when I moved to the US.

My first three bosses early in my career were all women. They were brave, independent women who took care of themselves. Watching these women in action and many other peers significantly impacted me as a young adult.

I especially remember the voice of a co-worker who was new to the company. You could hear her voice even when she sat at the back of the room. She was loud and articulate and didn’t worry about other people’s titles when she had something to say. ‘Where did this courage come from?’ I wondered as I sat there listening to her speak.

As I continued my corporate career, I noticed many women who voiced their opinions fearlessly, made tough decisions, and led entire departments. I saw how they were valued the same as men in team meetings.

It wasn’t their titles that attracted me, though. It was their personalities, ability to be themselves, and ability to inspire and motivate. I aspired to be like them, to speak my mind without the fear of being judged, and to speak candidly in front of people with authority.

The Transformative Power of Support

In my twenties, I was a shy woman learning to navigate a new country. I had only been in the US for two years for school when I started my first full-time job. Even though I was good at communication, I had to learn everything quickly: the social and work cultures.

But some of these people in my life took a chance on me. They believed in me when I doubted myself. They spoke on my behalf, advocated for me for salary increases and promotions, and believed in my ability to solve problems and take control of situations.

I remember a manager who hired me to turn things around at a company. He trusted my ability and supported me when I needed it. Before I knew it, I was the only one representing the company to a room full of executives and handling their issues with poise.

This episode always stays with me in moments when I doubt myself. I had transformed from a young woman afraid to voice her opinion in team meetings to someone who could address a large group of people.

Support Beyond Work

Women need support in all aspects of their lives for their careers to succeed. My life changed dramatically when I became a mother. I suddenly realized that in addition to aspiring to be successful in my work, I also aspire to be a good mother who always prioritizes her child.

This is a tricky thing to balance, not just for me but for many women. If I didn’t have my spouse’s support at home in sharing the household work or raising my child, I wouldn’t have been able to raise a fantastic teenage boy who plays a big part in cheering me on and supporting me in goals and dreams.

Championing Women in All Walks of Life

Every opportunity I had contributed to who I am today. I went from being shy to someone who isn’t afraid to voice her opinion as a writer. My confidence today is shaped by my many mentors and peers, who took pride in seeing me succeed. We must follow in the footsteps of such people and make room for women from all walks of life.

These women you encounter could be the first in their families to have a career. We must remember their history and provide them with opportunities so they can achieve things their mothers or grandmothers could not.

We should support the quiet women who need more courage, the brave ones who need a platform, the mothers who struggle to balance their lives and keep their careers, and more.

We need every parent to support their partners so their children can witness their mothers’ firm and nurturing sides. We must help our daughters in their passions, whether support, STEM, or art.

Join me in this year’s theme of inspiring inclusion and use every opportunity to elevate the women in your life. Join me in becoming their cheerleaders and champions as they face the world with courage.