Women make the world....

I lost my father when I was barely 13. Growing up, it never occurred to me that there existed a gender bias in our society that we never wanted to talk about. The superwomen in my house never let me see that, for they always were a step ahead.

A common term used while growing up for example was, "dont cry like a girl." From a very young age, even remotely flimsy sentences like the above were unacceptable as they set a culture. In my mom's words, all I can teach you is values, and respect for women is a key part of that. 

I grew up in a household where all decisions where taken by women. My mom went back to study at 40, joined work and grew up the ranks to be a School Principal. My sisters who have strong careers brought me up as their own. They paid for my school, college and even got me the most fancy bike and apparel during my college years. All this on top of the fact that they progressed through their careers and built young families. Sometimes when I am back home or out with family on a vacation, I am left wondering if my 4-yr old is competing with me as my sisters shower me with more attention. My wife has an unbelievable ability to be at 4 places at the same time. I wonder at times about how can she read a book, save my 2-yr old from falling down, cook a meal and chat with me all at the same time. May be they are superhuman after all. A more beautiful version of mankind that was created with a special toolkit. And you expect mere mortals like me to wash a dish and read my office emails together :)

My first boss at AXA had a lasting impression on me. She gave me space to innovate and be visible; something I always ensure my teams got.

That is the beauty of women in my view. Their ability to multi-task, give every one a certain level of attention and above all to remain true to their beliefs and values.

Yet we live in a society where they struggle to break through the US Presidential election glass ceiling or in becoming CEOs of large corporations (as of March 2015, only 4.6% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies was occupied by women, yet they occupy roughly half of the world population). Yes, they have made a move. But have we done enough? Do we need a quota system like how some people claim? While I am against quotas on any basis, I do believe a certain top down direction forces the non believers to believe. It helps them to see things in perspective only when they experience the difference. Flexibility at work is a key proposition to attract them. We hired someone recently who came back from a sabbatical. All we offered is minimal flexibility to handle her young family. In return, she has got things off the ground that haven't moved for 1.5 yrs. 

A few pointers to think of that, further accentuates my point:

1. Female tendency to take fewer risks make women stronger leaders during tough economic conditions, according to research by Geoff Trickey and So Yi Yeung

2. A 2007 Celent Report found that Fortune 500 companies with more female board directors attained significantly higher financial performance than those with lower female representation

3. We hear of Lehman brothers, why not Lehman sisters? 

4. Bain study in 2014 highlights that in India, women are more trusted as Agents and that they have an over-riding influence on health purchases.

5. "She for Shield" report from AXA, IFC and Accenture in 2015 forecasts a USD 1.7 trillion business opportunity for insurance to women by 2030. Yet we have seen very limited innovation in this space. AXA has launched a dedicated strategy for women and closer to home in Malaysia we launched "Motor for her" last year adding more women customers by offering them specific features that are unique.

I could go on forever. But I would like to sign off by saying - Today's women don't need quotas. All they need is more opportunities to excel. A whole new world awaits you...

Note: This is a personal article and has no official link to the company I work for.