Breaking Barriers, Yet Miles to Go

Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” These words of Maya Angelou, the American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist best encapsulate the journey of countless women who, through their resilience and determination, have paved the way for future generations. As we spotlight four trailblazing women from the Indian legal community in the BW Businessworld Most Influential Women list, their stories not only inspire but also serve as a reminder of the work that remains in the quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Justice B. V. Nagarathna, on the cusp of becoming India's first woman Chief Justice, exemplifies a remarkable journey in the legal realm since 1987. Her potential elevation symbolises not just a personal milestone but a significant leap towards gender equality in the judiciary.

Justice Bela Trivedi, celebrated for making history alongside her father as ‘Father – daughter judges in the same court’, has navigated her path through diverse legal challenges, rising to the Supreme Court and breaking ceilings along her way.

Justice Hima Kohli has demonstrated the impactful role women can play in shaping jurisprudence, with a keen focus on mediation and environmental preservation. Her career is marked by notable appointments, including as the Chairperson of the Delhi Judicial Academy as well as key roles in initiatives for jail decongestion during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta, known for her pivotal role in the Bilkis Bano case, underscores the importance of advocating for women's rights, emphasising the power of legal advocacy in bringing about societal change.

Work In Progress

Yet, as we admire these luminaries, we are reminded of the realities on the ground. These narratives remind us of how far we have come, thanks to the relentless spirit of women who dared to stand up, as also the distance that still needs to be covered to achieve true DEI. 

The discourse within corporate halls, especially around DEI initiatives, exemplifies this nuanced journey. The debate extends beyond the need for policies like menstrual leave, touching on a deeper craving for equal opportunities at every juncture of one's career. This division within organisations poses a significant challenge for policymakers, who strive to harmonise these diverse perspectives.

Aparna Mittal, an experienced DEI advisor and corporate lawyer who is also the founder of Samāna Centre, offers a poignant insight. She advocates for a foundational approach to these issues, suggesting, "I believe we need to address the issue from the ground up, focusing on the bottom of the pyramid rather than from the viewpoint of those who are detached from the initial challenges they once faced, and are in comfortable positions now. Similarly, when evaluating the corporate landscape, it's insufficient to only highlight the top 40 performing companies. While their success is commendable, the reality is that corporate India encompasses millions of entities, not limited to these top performers. We must broaden our perspective to include the vast array of organisations that constitute our corporate ecosystem."

Mittal emphasises the importance of broadening our view beyond the top echelons of corporate success to include the myriad organisations that make up the corporate landscape. Her perspective invites us to consider the full spectrum of corporate India, urging a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing DEI challenges.

In a compelling reflection, Payal Chawla, the founder of JusContractus, one-of-its-kind a sole all-women law firm in India, sheds light on a pervasive issue: the tendency among women to minimise their struggles and pains. She states, "Women often downplay their suffering, convincing themselves, 'I'm in great pain, but I can handle it.' It's crucial for women, especially those in influential positions, to challenge this norm. The cycle of dismissing our pain and discomfort, particularly related to menstrual health, undermines its seriousness.” 

She says that women in leadership bear a significant responsibility to advocate for change, as their actions can influence the broader societal attitudes toward women. “This advocacy is vital not just for us but for women in the most remote areas, who lack even basic health resources and cannot afford to take a day off. The drive for change, therefore, must originate from us; we cannot wait for others to initiate it.” Chawla's words underscore the critical role of female leaders in transforming societal norms and ensuring that the discourse on women's health and rights extends to every corner of society.

In essence, the journey of progress illuminated by these remarkable women underscores both how far we've advanced and the extent of the path still ahead. The journey toward true DEI is not solely marked by monumental victories but equally by the subtle shifts and gentle ripples we initiate through ongoing conversations and consistent actions. Every step forward, no matter its size, contributes to shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.