Value or Vanity?

I am sure by now we all know who Manu Bhaker is - a trailblazer, the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting. With two medals already to her name, she is now eyeing her third. However, instead of celebrating her incredible achievements, social media is abuzz with discussions about her looks. Comparing her to Bollywood actresses and reducing her accomplishments to mere appearances is not just disappointing; it's a reflection of our society's shallow mindset.

It's disheartening to see that we still measure women's worth by their looks rather than their talent, dedication, and hard work. This isn't just about Manu Bhaker. Recently, Ravindra Jadeja's wife was praised for wearing a sari to a game, being hailed as the poster woman of our culture. Yet, this praise came at the cost of belittling other cricketers' wives, labeling them as shameless and cultureless for their choices. Why can't we celebrate one woman's choice without putting another down?

This mindset isn't limited to sports or public figures; it permeates our workplaces as well. Women in corporate settings often face similar biases. Talented women are often overlooked for promotions because they don't fit a certain image or because their achievements are overshadowed by trivial comments about their appearance. These biases are detrimental, not only to the individuals affected but also to the organizations that miss out on leveraging their full potential.

As a society and as professionals, we need to change this mindset. Manu Bhaker's success is a testament to her skill, patience, and years of hard work. These are the qualities we should focus on and promote.

What can be done to change this mindset? How can we create a culture that celebrates achievements over appearances? Together, can we be the change bearers in our society and workplaces?

#WomenInSports #WomenInCorporate #GenderBias #CelebrateAchievements #SkillOverLooks #CorporateCulture #DiversityAndInclusion #BeTheChange