I am writing this blog on the behalf of all women to those men who believe that our Career depends on our husband's career. There is at least one man I know who feels that a woman's career depend on her husband.
I went for an interview couple of days ago when the interviewer suddenly told me this and you know my reaction was "WHAT".
I have always believed throughout my life in gender equality. If a girl has challenges in her life, the boys too don't have an easy life. I am a daughter of a working mom and I am proud of her. My mother has done hard work in her life and so my father. Sometimes, I feel that the society has been suppressing woman so much that the credit that should be given to man has not been given. The issue should not be Men or Women; rather it should be what kind of human being you are. Same way the hiring criteria should be skill based nor gender based.
Now, this brings me to an important point that getting married does not slow down a girl's career and pregnancy does not end it. I always wonder that why should women leave their jobs when pregnant.
Let's take an example of Kareena Kapoor Khan. Before I write further, let me tell you that I am not a Kareena Kapoor fan nor I am her hater. I choose to give her example as we women have to face many challenges when it comes to career along with pregnancy.
Before Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor confirmed that she was pregnant, it seemed the media went crazy. There were pictures posted by media highlighting her baby bump. Kareena not only kept working throughout this beautiful phase of her life but also gave some words of wisdom.
She shut the mouth of people by saying, “Don’t look at pregnancy as some sort of disease. It's the most beautiful phenomenon that can happen to woman”.She also made a statement, “There’s nothing wrong with being pregnant. In fact, it's a joy".
I believe that this was not only a perfect reply to media but also to our society, where people around pregnant women go crazy. Especially those crazy advises which are given to every pregnant woman. Once a woman is pregnant everyone around her becomes an expert. All she needs is good gynecologists, love and care. Kareena not only made some bold statements to career versus pregnancy but also has led by example. She worked in ads and walked ramps gracefully.
I hope that any woman's marital status or pregnancy does not become a criteria for hiring. A woman is strong and become even stronger after being a mother. Do not count her less or more just because she is married or un-married. Being a mother is an added skill not her weakness. Treat her as an individual and if she has decided to work respect it. Do not lose an employee who could be an asset to your organization. Judge her on the quality on skill she has in her personality.
