The Power of Choice: Redefining Womanhood
A moment of reckoning came to me in a classroom in the UK. When asked to introduce myself, I instinctively spoke about my husband and children. The professor, with a knowing smile, interrupted and said, “That’s wonderful – but who are you?” That question lingered long after the class ended. It nudged me onto a path of self-discovery, pushing me to embrace my skills, explore new opportunities, and redefine what empowerment truly meant.
Many women, despite their education and talent, find themselves confined within roles assigned by tradition. While family is undoubtedly a pillar of strength, should it define us entirely? Gandhiji, in a letter to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, urged women to recognize their “dignity and privilege” to uplift humanity. His words ring true today as women break barriers in every field – from boardrooms to space stations. Yet, in a country teeming with potential, countless educated women step away from their aspirations post-marriage, their dreams shelved under the label of ‘domestic responsibilities.’
But here’s the truth – empowerment isn’t about choosing between family and ambition. It’s about having the choice to shape your own life. Want to climb the corporate ladder? Go for it! Prefer a home-based business? Fantastic! Looking for a flexible work-life balance? The digital age has your back. With banks rolling out special loan schemes for women entrepreneurs and workplaces embracing hybrid models, the possibilities are endless.
The real challenge? Breaking the internal barriers – self-doubt, societal expectations, and the ‘ooru enna sollum’ (what will people say?) syndrome. Women don’t need to be given power; they already have it. They just need to believe in it. And that’s exactly what I strive to do – through my work as Managing Director of SPOT Hospital, my role in Rotary, and my interactions with students, professionals, and fellow women leaders. Whether it’s personality development, time management, or simply reminding someone of their own worth, I love being part of this movement of transformation.
And let’s not forget – behind every empowered woman is a supportive family. Mine, including my husband, Rtn. Dr. S. Ramesh Babu, my children, and my daughters-in-law, have been my greatest cheerleaders, proving that empowerment and family can walk hand in hand.
So here’s to every woman redefining success on her own terms. Stand tall, speak up, and own your story – because when women rise, the whole world rises with them!
Rtn. Vn. Sujatha Ramesh Babu, Managing Director of SPOT Hospital, is a dynamic leader, motivational speaker, and trainer. Passionate about women’s empowerment, she holds key positions in Rotary and Vasavi Clubs International, inspiring individuals to embrace their potential and redefine success.
