Hello everyone! Welcome to my new series, Impact Stories, where I will bring to you inspirational figures from across the world, people who work with a purpose and their stories impact us to script our story and carve our name.

Today our guest is Dr Preeti Talwar, a former scientist and education advisor, turned homemaker turned writer. I believe, Women Empowerment has as many perspectives as many women live in this world. This is why in today’s talk, we will discuss all about women empowerment and overcoming challenges like gender discrimination.

Let’s impact the world with stories, because stories inspire, stories empower.

Q1. Tell us about yourself. What you do, what you are passionate about and what is your inspiration behind your work.

A1. I am a scientist by profession turned into a writer by passion. I am both a creative and content writer who has donned several hats. I have worked as a freelance proofreader with a publishing house, worked as an education advisor for two companies, virtually taught English to students, worked as a chat moderator, and have been published in three anthologies.

I am passionate about both reading and writing. Writing is my adrenaline booster. My life would be as dry as the Sahara desert without writing. It is the oasis that quenches my thirst. Along with writing art too forms an integral part of my life. The palette of colors brings vibrancy to my life.

My inspiration or my muse have been both best-selling Authors Enid Blyton and Jane Austen. Their life and writing career inspired me and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I want to make it big in the field of writing.

Q2. Please tell us about your journey in your career’s second inning. How you faced gender bias at the time of the interview and how you have seen gender bias in your family? How you motivated yourself and who supported you at that time? Then, how you overcame that challenges and became successful.

A2. As I have told you, I am a scientist by profession. After completing my PhD in the year 1992 I wanted to work in a research institute and by God’s grace I got selected for the post of research associate by the UGC. I was thrilled and started my work post my Ph.D. During this period I got hitched. The project being tenure bound, I completed it and then put my career on a back burner as I had embraced motherhood.

I became a hands-on mom. I was busy nurturing my kids. It was only after a sabbatical of twenty-plus odd years I wanted to make a comeback. My toddlers had grown into teens and I was free to pursue my career.  But making a comeback isn’t as easy as it seems.

I applied for teaching jobs in various colleges. I was shortlisted for one.

But during the interview, I was shamed on account of the CV gap and having kids I was worthless in the field of teaching.

For the interviewers who were all males rearing up kids meant I had wasted my acumen. I was not fit for the job and along with that, they felt being a lady I won’t be able to do justice to the job. They felt women who are homemakers become redundant even though they may be well qualified. It hurt me but I couldn’t prove my point.

My marital family too believed women can never be on par with men. I was never treated with dignity even though I was well qualified.

I wallowed in self-pity for some time which created havoc on my health. But then gradually I decided not to be affected by society. My spouse and kids were my support system.

I wanted to be an empowered woman. For that, I had to work on my weakness to prove my mettle.

There is a saying “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” I learned the nuances of technology and worked on my writing skills as that was a latent passion that I wanted to bring to the fore.

My passion for writing has been present since my school days. I wrote articles for my school magazine. I won several accolades for my write-ups. It was in the year 2014 I decided to change gears

It is said “When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell

I took the road less traveled and I feel grateful to God that I chose the road.

I did a lot of networking, did internships, educated myself on the various aspects of technology, I read on various subjects, and learned about SEO and content writing. I watched YouTube videos on nuances of content writing and once I was confident regarding my skills I applied to companies. I mainly upskilled myself and let go of my fears of starting late in life.

After applying there was a hiatus of three months which made me quite dejected. But a write-up on the Padmavat controversy helped me enter the content writing field.

Soon I learned the ropes of SEO and content and I managed to work with several startups. I have experimented with different niches. It boosted my confidence. I am always open to new experiments. I managed to get my articles published on several websites both national and international. Along with that, I am now working as a chat moderator for a global magazine. I have been published in three anthologies. It has been an arduous journey to reach this far.

Fortunately, I have not received too much rejection which has helped me reach this far. I am grateful to God for showing me the path, along with that supportive family, my alma mater, and teachers have helped me chisel my personality.

I gave a deaf ear to the naysayers and carried on. Earlier I required validation for whatever I did but now I don’t bother.

I have a goal and I am working toward that. To restart one must dream and work hard towards that dream. Don’t get disheartened by roadblocks overcome them and you will achieve your goal.

Q3. What is women empowerment for you? Who is your role model?

A3. Women empowerment for me is women having a voice. Women who break away from the shackles of patriarchy and fearlessly live life on their own terms.

My role models are Mother Teresa, Michelle Obama, and Zohra Sehgal.

Q4. “Empowered women empower women” We have heard it but do you think this statement holds true in today’s generation? If yes, why do you believe so? If not, what are the reasons behind your thoughts? Have you seen any women empowering other women in your circle? If yes, do share the example. What is your opinion on building a support system for women in a women’s community?

A4. Yes, we keep harping on women’s empowerment but still, I didn’t feel women are empowered. Whether rural or urban women they are still mired in the shackles of patriarchy. Our parochial setup doesn’t let women voice their opinions. Women are afraid of being judged so they keep mum. They may suffer from body shaming, sexual assault at the workplace, domestic violence, financial issues, carrying out household chores single-handedly, rearing up children single-handedly, not getting the right to take financial decisions, and being treated as domestic workers.

Women wait for validation for whatever they do but they are never given their due. They are never treated at par with their male counterparts whether in the workplace or at home. They may get the independence to work outside their homes yet they are never given their due.

Most women in our society are helping domestic workers get their rights in society by helping them and their children get educated and teaching them about financial independence.

They help them get rid of domestic abuse by introducing them to NGOs who work for the upliftment of women.

Empowering women starts with oneself. Women are the backbone of families and communities. They provide care, support, and nurturing to their families and are essential to the development of children. So, we need to make a community with women to help women in the following ways-

• Boosting their self-confidence by mentoring them

• Raising funds to help get rid of domestic violence against women

• Educating girls and preventing them from dropping out. Educating them about menstruation and health.

• Boosting their decision-making skills

• Educating women about their legal rights

• Helping them to voice out through campaigns and street plays

• Showing more empathy towards women and standing by them during any crisis

Q5. If you are given a chance to contribute to bringing a change in the world, what would you like to do and why? Or if you are already working on your dream, then how are you doing your part to see the change you want in this world?

A5. I would like to help women get empowered and get rid of gender discrimination. It is a tough task but I am doing this through my write-ups. I have started at a small scale, gradually I want to go for talk shows, and Ted talks to help eradicate this canker that is gnawing the society. Women cannot be treated as doormats but have an important place in society. They need to be treated with dignity.

Q6. What is your future plan regarding women’s empowerment and eliminating gender bias?

A6. My future plan is to write and create awareness to help women come out of their shells. The pen is mightier than the sword is a saying and I feel words can do a lot to help women gain their voice. I want to educate women to believe in themselves and lead a life of dignity. I have started that with my domestic workers. I have given them the idea of financial security by educating them about banking and saving schemes. I do not pay them in cash but transfer into their account which has helped them immensely.

I abhor gender discrimination and voice out my feelings wherever I see this happening I speak my mind out.

Thank You, Dr Preeti, for your contribution to The Impact Stories. We wish you more power to your future endeavors. May you continue inspiring, empowering, and impacting more people to shine with their own light. Gratitude.

(This post is written for Blogchatter’s Cause A Chatter as a collaboration with my fellow blogger.)

(This post is also a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2023.)