I’m a Feminist, but maybe a 'Hypocritical Feminist'

The reason I’m saying hypocritical is that I realise I’m only prioritising gender equality discussions on platforms like LinkedIn around International Women's Day. While this day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights, true progress requires consistent action and advocacy throughout the year – I’m working on it, believe me, but why am I not talking about it throughout the year?

I know that gender equality remains an ongoing struggle, and I’ve now realised that Feminism is a term we should all proudly embrace. This epiphany didn't occur overnight, but rather through introspection, and education, specifically from reading Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's powerful essay, "We Should All Be Feminists,". Reading this book / essay was my small way of celebrating International Women’s Day, but like Adichie as she caveated her ‘Feminist’ title to be a ‘Happy African Feminist Who Does Not Hate Men’; I too will caveat mine with the title ‘Hypocritical Feminist’, for now.

And I hope, as I’m what Adiche would call a ‘male ally’, I promote the importance of amplifying the voices of women, standing in solidarity with them in the fight for equal rights and opportunities. This means actively listening to their experiences, acknowledging my own privilege, and using my platform to advocate for gender-inclusive policies and practices in business and private life.

I’ve been in my new role as the CEO of TüV SüD South Asia for less than year and I’m already exposed to more challenges than I thought were present – and realising that there’s still a long way to go, as an organisation and as a society. Recent media attention has focused on some of difficulties women are facing, not just in India, but globally and it will take more time to address the inequalities that exist in the world; however it has made me look at myself and question what I can do to support more. We can all set targets and goals, but without actual actions nothing will change. I think this is when the phrase ‘walk the talk’ has to be used. Last year TüV SüD launched the leadership commitments, including: Focus on Inclusiveness and People Growth Globally - Empower, coach, give feedback and inspire people. Build a culture that enables everyone to thrive and contribute globally. Now it is time for me to embody this commitment (in fact it was the one I chose to sign on to during the inauguration of our new campus in Bangalore) and if anyone thinks that I’m not living up to it, please call me out.

The essay I mentioned above, although focused on gender equality, also addresses other diversities such as race, class, and sexuality, and it's important to recognise and address these intersections in the larger picture.?

In conclusion, embracing feminism isn't just about declaring solidarity on International Women's Day (as I have done in the past); it's about committing to a lifelong journey of learning, unlearning, and advocating for gender equality every day. As a male ally, I am proud to stand alongside women in the fight for a more just and equitable world.