Leading Lady

Of the plethora of days that are celebrated throughout the year, I can sincerely say that Women’s Day is one that I can relate to the most. Because of women, I am gainfully employed and meaningfully engaged in my work and life.

Over 90% of our farmers, nearly 80% of our manufacturing staff, and 88% of our customers are all women. While I don’t believe that offering discounts isthe best possible way to offer our appreciation, but here too, I have a weak voice as all members of our marketing team are women!

Last year, this very day, I talked about one of our women farmers and many of you expressed your admiration for her grit and determination. Even today, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such women.

Rekha,an example of women like these, is one of the first employees of our manufacturing unit. She had come to Delhi NCR as a young bride after growing up in a village in Uttarakhand. A little lost in her new environment and inwardly pining for her childhood home, she set foot into the city. An opportunity to work for Soultree helped her carve out her own identity and stay connected to Uttarakhand through her indirect contact with the women farmers from there.

Having received only basic education, she started out at the entry level in our operation. However, what she lacked in academics, she more than made up for, with her sincerity and determination. She learned quickly, putting in extra hours while also taking care of her home.

Her gentle demeanor and helpful nature (a common characteristic of people from Uttarakhand) enabled her to become a natural leader. I saw her persevere at her work despite health problems and with a complete sense of ownership, which earned her the respect of even her seniors at work.

Today, Rekha leads the packaging function at Soultree with a team of men and women reporting to her. What I admire the most about Rekha is her sense of responsibility. And this is what I believe makes women stronger than men. They almost never run away from problems. Be it a homemaker, a farmer or a working professional, I believe women have the strength of responsibility which enables them to overcome any challenge.

On this day, I once again reaffirm my personal belief and Soultree’s pledge to respect and value women while learning from them constantly.