Women have reached space, flown planes, saved lives, run companies, played and excelled in almost every sport and yet there still remain some professions that continue to be perceived as a “man’s job”. On International Women’s Day 204, My Kolkata meets some women in Kolkata who have broken stereotypes just by doing their job.
Ipsita Chakraborty, bartender at Skinny Mo’s Jazz Club
Raising a glass for a woman like Ipsita, breaking barriers one cocktail at a time
Breaking the glass ceiling in bartending was no easy feat for Ipsita Chakraborty, but her passion for mixology and unwavering determination pushed her forward.
“I think the biggest challenge I faced was with the older men in the profession. I found it a little challenging in my initial days to change their attitude with new techniques and concepts. But with time, perceptions seem to be changing,” Chakraborty said.
“I enjoy my work to the fullest. There is immense scope in the profession as it offers multiple roles. Women can come forward and make a difference both in creative and managerial roles provided they have a passion for it,” she said.
With her creative flair and exceptional customer service, Ipsita has become a much-loved figure behind the bar, challenging stereotypes and redefining the role of women in nightlife.
Santi Das, additional superintendent of police, West Bengal Human Rights Commission
Saluting Santi Das & all other women in law enforcement for keeping our country safe
Santi Das is no stranger to adversity. However, her commitment to serving and protecting her community knows no bounds.
“As a woman police officer, I feel whenever I come across a woman while handling my cases, I understand them better. I have seen women opening up before me better while talking about their problems. This would not have been possible if they were interacting with a male cop. As a female cop looking after the child and women’s welfare department, I have also felt that if a woman efficiently focuses on her work she herself would make her way to shine out even in this male-dominated society,” Das said.
Whether patrolling the streets or investigating crimes, her resilience and dedication have earned her respect among her colleagues and the community alike. She has redefined women’s roles and proved that women belong in law enforcement.
Champa Golder, security guard
Champa Golder, a security guard with unwavering strength and dedication
Champa Golder, a woman security guard at The Heritage School, stands out as a pillar of strength and resilience. As a guard at a reputable school, she navigates her role with grace and confidence. Despite facing scepticism from her male counterparts, Golder’s professionalism and unwavering dedication have earned her the respect of her colleagues.
“I look after security in the junior school section. Previously there were three women on the campus, but all of them left one by one and now I am alone. Even after the day-to-day challenges, I am someone who believes in focusing on my work as the entire four-floor building depends on me,” Golder said.
With her unwavering commitment to her job, Golder is paving the way for more women to enter the field of security.
Rupa Chowdhury, delivery executive
Rupa Chowdhury defeating stereotypes, one delivery at a time
As the first woman navigating the bustling streets of Kolkata on her scooter to deliver meals, Rupa Chowdhury challenged gender norms in the world of delivery services. Rain or shine, she delivered packages with speed and efficiency.
Kolkata’s first Swiggy delivery woman also doubled as an Ola bike driver, shattering norms delivery at a time.
However, her journey has not been devoid of challenges, as she candidly recounts instances of gender discrimination and bullying by customers. Recalling one such incident, she shares, “One day after receiving a booking, I went to pick up a customer. But after talking to me, he cancelled the ride saying ‘You are a woman, I am uncomfortable to travel with you.’”
Through her perseverance and determination, Chowdhury is proving that women are more than capable of thriving in traditionally male-dominated professions.
Anjali Saha, parking attendant
Happy Women’s Day to our remarkable parking attendants like Anjali Saha
Finding a parking space in the busy Park Circus area is a tough job for any driver but helping them out is Anjali Saha, parking attendant outside Modern High School for Girls. Saha has been navigating the challenges of her male-dominated profession with grace and determination since 2015.
Despite initial hurdles, Saha has grown to love her work and remains dedicated to her role. “I reach my workplace as early as 9am. I strongly feel that going to work, one should be prepared to face all kinds of people. In the course of my work, I often come across people getting irritated if I am unable to provide them parking space. My advice to young girls would be to keep themselves strong in order to fulfil all their desires.”
Saha’s journey is of a woman who defies stereotypes and carves her own path in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Taniya Sanyal, aviation firefighter
Breaking barriers by braving the flames, Happy International Women’s Day
Taniya Sanyal, the first woman firefighter in India, has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes with her journey. Hailing from a Bengali middle-class family, she was nurtured with a strong cultural background and encouraged to pursue her passions.
Despite initial confusion about her career path, Sanyal found inspiration in her grandmother’s words to follow her passion. With a background in Botany and a desire to serve her nation, she started on a challenging path to become an aviation firefighter. Overcoming obstacles and facing rigorous physical and mental tests, she proved her mettle, earning her place as the first female trainer in the field.
“Our morning started with running, physical exercises and yoga, squad drill and appliance drill from 6 to 9.30. Theory classes were held from 10am to 1pm and, finally, it ended with afternoon ground classes till 5pm. Each module used to end with various exams. The best part of the training was that my trainers never discriminated between me and other male trainees as we used to drill together.”
Saha’s dedication, determination and resilience highlight the importance of breaking gender barriers and pursuing one’s dreams regardless of societal expectations.
“As the first Indian woman of aviation firefighting, I think we should not discriminate between women and men at the end of the day, the same dedication and determination that matters most, I was just sticking to my goals. I made myself step by step.
There should be no difference between boys and girls and many women have proved it already,” concluded Sanyal.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour the resilience, tenacity and accomplishments of all these women. Their stories serve as a reminder that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s passion and achieving success. Together, let’s continue to support and empower women in all walks of life.
