#Superwomen2019 Vandana Sachdev, BuzzOne on the need of gender sensitivity in the industry

An experienced professional, with experience across media channels, Vandana Sachdev of BuzzOne, speaks at length about the gender balance in the Indian M & A industry.

With more than a decade of experience as a media professional, Vandana Sachdev shares that it's never been an easy journey for a woman in the industry. But as per the leader, one should take initiative and go for the things he/she believes in.

"You won’t get what you don’t ask for!", she promptly highlights in a candid conversation with Social Samosa.

How would you define a Superwoman in today's day and age? 

She works hard, chases what she believes in, independent, but knows when to ask for help, perseverant, balanced and doesn’t let others define her.

One quality that you think every superwoman has and that helped you win Social Samosa Superwomen…

Being a 'Go-Getter'. Don’t wait for someone to fix things for you. Take the initiative and change things. You won’t get what you don’t ask for!

How successful have women been in shattering the glass ceiling in the Media & Advertising field? Does the 'boardroom inequality' phrase still stand true? 

Yes, it still stands true to some extent. Women who held on their own, serious about their career, competent and professional, succeeded.

When you conduct yourself as a first-rate professional, the gender you belong to becomes immaterial. If you are standing in front of a client making a strong strategy/marketing presentation, what matters is the content of what is being said rather than whether the person presenting it is a male or female.

But yes it’s never been an easy journey for a woman/ Despite being a strong woman, there are times when they are being put down even though they deserve to be up there.

Eventually, it’s on a woman how she handles and conducts herself in such situations and wins through this.

What are the key changes this industry needs in order to make workplaces gender-neutral, safe, and nurturing?   

Employers should commit to equal employment opportunities at the workplace and management should not distinguish people on the basis of sex/age. Managements must sensitize employees for gender sensitivity to prevent or minimize issues connected with sexual harassment and train employees to be more vocal.

Besides a well defined ‘Anti sexual harassment’ policy which ensures safety and equal rights for women, other initiatives like self-defense workshops, sessions with women police officers and NGOs to create awareness about women's safety and rights should be organized.

Also read: #Superwomen2019 There is a lot we can achieve if we choose to work together: Tarunjeet Rattan, Nucleus PR

One Superpower you wish you had? 

Omnilingualism. You would never have to worry about a language barrier as you traveled around the world since we have to travel for work and interact with colleagues from across the world most of the time.

 The 'Superwomen' you diligently follow and who inspired you... 

Sheryl Sandberg. It is no secret that women all across the world have trouble rising up the rank for various reasons. Some don’t make it because of gender politics; others feel under-confident, and some discontinue work/take a break because of motherhood. Sheryl is changing this norm.

She has always urged women to follow their ambition and does not give up come what may, which is why she has inspired me the most.

One tip to women out there attempting to scale heights... 

Just believe in your potential and try to aim for the highest.