Malathi Pande (MP) was happily settled in her married life until she chanced to meet a Tata Steel executive. Little did she know that it would kick start her professional career. After an enriching career across various roles and domains, she retired from Tata Steel as the head of procurement. Tata Steel then appointed her as Managing Director of an associated printing press. She continues to serve in this position after a number of renewals of contract.
Your experience in a male dominated world…
When I started my career, the number of women in operational roles were limited. But the culture of the organisation and perhaps that of the TATA group was such that it was open and offered scope for people to prove their mettle. I believe the culture played its part. The way an individual presents himself/herself also has an impact. As a woman one has to understand that in an organisation with a preponderance of males, one could be judged from a man’s viewpoint, both in terms of her feminity and capability. An an age-old reluctance to admit the female as an equal or at times even better is prevalent. This becomes even more apparent as one moves up the ladder and people have to accept her as a boss. Things are of course changing now with more women in the work force and in future perhaps these angles may disappear and individual competence will become the defining factor.
Have you ever been treated differently for being a woman?
Never. I have only earned a lot of respect and appreciation for good work and have been given full freedom to work with dignity and at equal terms with peers.
Experiences that had a huge impact on you…
Tata Steel opened cadre position for non-engineers. With just an under graduate degree, I was in a dilemma to apply, as there would be many MBAs and post graduates also competing. I dared to jump in and after gruelling rounds of interviews, made it and it was a double promotion. It was an ecstatic moment and only proved ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ It also proved if presented confidently, nothing could stop, whether being a female, or the education they have.
What must be done to attract more women to workforce?
Women by nature are patient, tenacious and hardworking. Presence of a woman in the workplace keeps the environment cheerful and disciplined. Also, with their experience of running a home efficiently, aspects of budgeting, saving, come naturally to women. Hence companies need to encourage and increase employment for women. Women will automatically get attracted to organisations that are known for a bias -free work environment and culture.
Policy and support system for inclusivity…
Any special policy would again mean disparity and hence should be avoided. Nevertheless, due to inherent biological factors, leave rules maybe tweaked a bit. Managements should communicate and listen. Team activities with focus on mixed genders should be encouraged.
How to address gender-based pay disparity?
In the past, women were not given duties beyond 6 PM. They were not allowed to operate some critical machines or drive heavy vehicles. In such cases there may have been differences in the pay structure, but these are gradually reducing.
