Working in a male dominated company for some years now has made me aware of what women in my position are going through and just how men in authority perceive us.

• First of all, I would like to be perceived as an individual in my own right. I am not a showpiece to be projected in some meetings in order for the company to be seen as women friendly nor am I a representative or spokesperson for all women kind.
• In the company hierarchy, all the males in higher positions take it for granted that I don't know what I am doing. Somebody, a male, is appointed to check and see if I have got things right 'just in case she has missed out something...' When I got my last promotion, looks were exchanged and I came to know that the comment on the office grapevine said that maybe the company needed to show a woman in management - sidestepping the fact that I'd got my promotion because I was qualified for it!
• True. I have no kids as of now. But does that give my male boss the right to ask personal questions about my family planning so that he can plan for my absence if I take maternity leave?
• When I first applied for this job and was selected, I was automatically assigned to a female dominated department regardless of the fact that I had applied for something totally different and that was full of males. I had to fight my way out and finally got what I wanted only because they could not afford to miss out on me!
• When I took over as manager of my department, I could see nervous shuffles all around. One more woman manager? Are women taking over this company? Which is quite ridiculous when one look around will show that men dominate every scene that matters in the corporate world. Indra Nooyi is but one of a kind!
• Okay, so I have a family! But surely that concerns no one but me! I don't need advice or suggestions on how I deal with my family for heaven's sake!
• I pride myself on my womanly intuition. Does that make my thinking non linear? And does it really matter as long as I make the right decisions at the right time? So what if I didn't make a big show of a power point presentation? Is my capacity to be belittled in any way?
• Ok, so my reaction may turn out to be a little different from the men in the company. I certainly don't shout or pound the table and force people to listen. And yes! My eyes do mist a bit at times when I get a little emotional. So what is wrong with that? Am I any less a professional because of my reaction? Do people have the right to conclude that I am hysterical or highly emotional? Frankly, I don't think so!
• Oh! Most importantly I am not, I repeat, NOT a mom or daughter to my boss who seems to automatically put me in that slot! I am treated with respect, which I enjoy, but do I need protection or handling with kid gloves? Should I not be given an equal say in company matters? I would rather I am allowed to prove myself which is what I have been hired for! If only I am allowed to be myself and contribute like the others.

And as for all you multitasking working women out there in what is still undoubtedly a man's world, please do share your thoughts or leave a blog on this article on Sitagita Blogs. Just remember this quote - "Behind every successful woman is herself" ~ Anon.

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