Munnmunn Marwah, COO, Think Strawberries says that women are getting leadership role in the travel industry, and they continue to prove their success. There is a need of believing, respecting and loving yourself, she adds.
How important is IWD for you and why?
It is one of the most important days of the year as it is dedicated to all women around the world. Women are a key component of society and play a very vital role in everyone’s lives and I feel they should be made to feel important! On this day, we are recognizing and celebrating the efforts of women and their contribution to the world. Apart from honouring women’s accomplishments, International Women’s Day also serves as an action for accelerating gender parity.
Do you really think that women, in a fast-changing technology and modern age, need empowerment?
Definitely! Women’s empowerment and technology have been the subject of global goals, discussions, and debates for many decades. According to a 2018 report, women use Information and communication technologies (ICTs) much less frequently and intensely than men. It indicated that the overall proportion of internet usage for women was 12% lower than men. I strongly believe that improved access to technology can assist in providing women with employment resources and opportunities that could narrow the gender wage gap, and lead to women’s empowerment and leadership.
How did you develop confidence in yourself?
We all struggle at times with self-confidence and that is why believing in yourself is of utmost importance. Over the period, I have realized that you cannot give that power to anybody to bring down your confidence. I have learnt to not let anyone’s judgment or opinion enter my brain and that helps me to remain confident. And so, I cannot emphasise enough on the importance of believing, respecting and loving yourself!
While women constitute 54% of the work force in global travel, tourism and hospitality industry. This percentage is abysmally low at the top level?
The scenario is changing now. I do see women at commanding positions in the travel industry and they continue to prove that they are no less! One of the right examples for this is Jyoti Mayal, who has been leading Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) for so many years and is extremely successful. I agree we have a long way to go but I am very optimistic that this percentage would go up in the years to come.
What sort of challenges do you face at workplace as well as balancing work-family life?
The pressures of family life and daily work responsibilities can get overwhelming sometimes. While you’re changing your caps, it becomes extremely tiring as demands of both the roles are entirely different and yet, equally time consuming. There are days when you feel pulled from both the sides and you have to learn to draw out a balance. It’s a continuous process but I believe nature has created women in such a way that they can multitask beautifully!
One school of thought suggests that women themselves are one of the hindrances in the growth of the women. What is your take on this?
It is unfortunate to realize that this does stand true to some extent. But I have also come across several examples where women are successful because of the support they get from other women; both at home and at the workplace. How a woman balances conflicting demands of both the roles is directly linked to the amount of support she gets. It’s about time we understood that empowered women support and encourage each other and don’t pull others down.
What are your suggestions to younger generation?
Be confident, be happy and live your life to the fullest!