Fierce, Fearless, Fabulous: Celebrating Women Everywhere by Dr. Haseena Kabeer

Fierce, Fearless, Fabulous: Celebrating Women Everywhere

Dr. Haseena Kabeer

In a world where challenges are met with resilience, barriers are shattered with courage, and dreams are pursued with unyielding determination, there exists a force like no other – women. They are the embodiment of fierceness, the epitome of fearlessness, and the essence of fabulousness.

From boardrooms to battlefields, laboratories to legislatures, kitchens to courtrooms, women have been rewriting the narrative of history with their unwavering resolve and relentless pursuit of excellence. They defy stereotypes, challenge norms, and break through barriers that once seemed insurmountable. Their stories inspire, their achievements empower, and their voices resonate across generations, reminding us of the limitless potential that lies within each and every woman.

Respecting women in a real sense entails recognizing their inherent worth and capabilities while advocating for their equal treatment and opportunities in all spheres of life. This involves actively listening to women's voices, validating their experiences, and challenging stereotypes and biases that perpetuate inequality. It also means supporting women's reproductive rights, combating violence and harassment, promoting education and empowerment, and redistributing unpaid care work. Respecting women involves acknowledging and addressing the intersectional nature of gender inequality and advocating for policies and initiatives that promote women's economic independence and leadership. Ultimately, respecting women requires a commitment to equality, dignity, and empowerment in both personal and societal interactions, paving the way for a world where women are truly valued, respected, and celebrated.

Wages in the workplace should be determined solely on the basis of the work performed, skills, experience, and qualifications, rather than on the basis of gender. Pay equity, ensuring that individuals receive equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, is a fundamental principle of fairness and justice. When women are paid less than men for performing the same work, it perpetuates gender inequality, undermines women's economic security, and reinforces harmful stereotypes about women's worth and capabilities. By advocating for pay equity and implementing policies and practices that promote transparency and accountability in pay decisions, we can create workplaces that are fair, inclusive, and supportive of all employees, regardless of gender.

But unfortunately, the gender wage gap persists in many organizations despite efforts to address it. The gender wage gap refers to the difference in earnings between men and women, typically measured as the median earnings of full-time, year-round workers. There are several factors that contribute to the gender wage gap, including discrimination, occupational segregation, and caregiving responsibilities. Discrimination, whether overt or implicit, can result in women being paid less than men for the same work. Occupational segregation, where women are overrepresented in lower-paying fields and underrepresented in higher-paying ones, also contributes to the wage gap. Additionally, women often face penalties in pay and career advancement due to caregiving responsibilities, such as taking time off work to care for children or elderly relatives. Addressing the gender wage gap requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, such as equal pay legislation, as well as organizational efforts to promote pay transparency, combat bias in hiring and promotion decisions, and support work-life balance for all employees. By addressing the root causes of the gender wage gap and promoting equity and fairness in the workplace, organizations can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Another way showing real respect is jokes that target or demean any group of people, including women, should not be entertained. Humour should never come at the expense of someone's dignity or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Jokes that mock or belittle women contribute to a culture of sexism and inequality, and they can be hurtful and offensive to those who hear them. Instead, it's important to promote humour that is inclusive, respectful, and uplifting. Comedy can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and shedding light on important issues, but it should be done in a way that respects the dignity and humanity of all individuals. By rejecting jokes that target women and other marginalized groups, we can create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Jokes that target or demean any group of people, including women, should not be entertained. Humour should never come at the expense of someone's dignity or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Jokes that mock or belittle women contribute to a culture of sexism and inequality, and they can be hurtful and offensive to those who hear them. Instead, it's important to promote humour that is inclusive, respectful, and uplifting. Comedy can be a powerful tool for bringing people together and shedding light on important issues, but it should be done in a way that respects the dignity and humanity of all individuals. By rejecting jokes that target women and other marginalized groups, we can create a more positive and inclusive environment for everyone.

Absolutely, overcoming biases and stereotypes is crucial for recognizing and celebrating the diversity and complexity of women's experiences. Real women come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, abilities, and identities. Embracing this diversity means acknowledging and valuing the full range of women's contributions, perspectives, and voices. By challenging bias and discrimination, we create space for all women to thrive and be seen and heard for who they truly are. This includes dismantling harmful stereotypes that limit women's potential and perpetuate inequality. It also involves advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equality and create opportunities for women to fully participate and lead in all areas of society. When we move beyond biases and embrace the richness of women's experiences, we create a world where every woman can live authentically and realize her full potential. This benefits not only women themselves but society as a whole, as we tap into the diverse talents, insights, and strengths of women from all walks of life.

Dr. Haseena Kabeer is a Philanthropist, Trainer and Educator with a history of past achievements that includes strong listening skills, excellent sensitivity, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. She possess an ability to think creatively and critically, with exceptional communication skills. Her academic Profile includes M. A in (English), B.Ed, M.Phil, P-G-DELT, IELTS and Ph.D. from Manipal University, Jaipur. Her teaching experience at school administration, Colleges, Universities and online platforms has given her indebtedness for the challenges which students in both settings face. Currently she is working as an Educator (English) in EFIA Abu Dhabi, UAE.

She has been associated with Toastmasters International, USA (A forum for public speaking) for the Past nine years where she has not only mentored students but also worked as an Area Director for Rajasthan Zone, under which she founded VGU Toastmasters club and under her leadership the team reached milestones and many of her mentees won District Level Contests and brought many laurels. She has been awarded with DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) which is considered as the highest leadership award in Toastmasters International. She has also written a number of articles for an E-news paper. She has delivered various Training Workshops and Motivational Sessions on Emotional Intelligence, Stress Management, Communication at Workplace and Personality Grooming for the employees of GAIL India Ltd.