We're still far from getting close to gender equality: Rubeena Singh

In today’s tech-driven landscape, gender diversity and inclusion remain crucial elements for progress. Rubeena Singh, Country Manager India & MENA, AnyMind Group, shares her perspectives on the strides made and the journey ahead. From challenging stereotypes to fostering work-life balance, she delves into initiatives undertaken by AnyMind Group and personal experiences navigating the dynamic realm of media and technology. Join us as we explore the role of women in leadership, breaking biases, and driving innovation in fast-paced industries.

As a successful woman leader in the tech industry, how do you perceive the progress of gender diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly in fields like advertising, marketing, and technology?

While there has been a significant progress over the last few decades, we are still far from getting close to gender equality. We need to focus on removing bias, provide training to both men and women, ensuring pay parity and most importantly ensuring women are mentored to reach leadership positions.

There are lot of women at the entry and mid-level, but when it comes to senior level, the balance tilts. While there are many factors which come in place, it is important to address and find a way to keep women in workforce. Women bring in lot of soft skills, which are required for any organisation.

We can move faster towards gender equality then.

Could you share some insights into the initiatives AnyMind Group has undertaken to support and empower women within the organization, especially in leadership roles?

As a woman in leadership position, the first step to empower other women is to spread awareness and become conscious of bias specially “unconscious bias”.

At AnyMind Group, from interviewing to hiring, we try to ensure that we have more women as part of the team. Currently, our senior leadership has 40% women leaders. There is constant mentorship and sponsoring for getting more women in mid-senior roles.

Besides we offer a 3-day work from office (Tuesday-Thursday) policy, so our teams have enough flexibility to be able to cater to personal demands.

International Women’s Day 2024 focuses on challenging stereotypes and bias. In your experience, what are some common stereotypes or biases that women in leadership positions encounter in the business world, and how can they be overcome?

Women leaders frequently experience gender discrimination due to stereotyping. Despite progress in gender equality, many workplaces still hold onto traditional gender roles and expectations, which can make it harder for women to be taken seriously as leaders. Women may be perceived as too emotional or not assertive enough, leading to unconscious bias in hiring, promotions, and opportunities for advancement.

Additionally, women who do assert themselves may be viewed as too aggressive or unlikeable, creating a “double bind” that can make it difficult to navigate workplace dynamics. This bias and stereotyping can be particularly challenging for women in male-dominated industries or organizations, where they may feel like outsiders or struggle to fit in with the dominant culture.

What has personally worked for me has been hard work, confidence in myself, a little bit of luck and a very supportive family.

With over two decades of experience in the media and tech sectors, how have you personally navigated the challenges of work-life balance, and what advice would you offer to other women striving to balance career and personal life?

My motto is to work hard and play hard!

I have often been shamed about travelling and having too much fun on the weekends. As a mom, if one prioritizes their child, women are perceived to not be good employees, and if they prioritize work, they are not a good parent.

When I got back to work 6 weeks after delivering my daughter, working for a few hours a day, I faced the pressure of being labelled both as an inadequate mother and someone who tries to abscond work!

My mantra is always to do what you believe is right and makes you happy!

The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Break the Bias”. How do you think companies like AnyMind Group can contribute to breaking gender biases in the workplace, especially in male-dominated industries like technology and advertising?

At AnyMind, we focus on supporting women into senior roles both local and globally. First, we have a gender-neutral recruiting process. We mentor women in mid roles and help them achieve greater heights in their careers. Then managers are held accountable for their men reaching the defined milestones.

We have a culture of meritocracy and have very strict policies against discrimination.

In your opinion, what are the key skills or qualities that women bring to leadership roles, particularly in fast-paced, digitally-driven industries? How do these attributes contribute to the success of businesses?

Most women have a balance between the two hemispheres of the brain, while men have more developed left brain than right brain. That’s why most women are more intuitive and creative free thinkers. In a tech driven world, this quality is the real key for innovation.

Women also tend to be better collaborators than men – increased collaboration can often yield better results than a more individualistic approach to work.

Thirdly, female employees can help cultivate a more supportive work environment – which, in turn, helps team members become more engaged and drive a better work culture.

As a leader who has overseen the listing of AnyMind Group on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, what role do you believe women leaders play in shaping the future of the global business landscape, and how can their perspectives drive innovation and growth?

The men are half the workforce. Bringing in more women into the workforce, will only improve our productivity and drive growth of not just business but our economy. I do hope more and more women get into the workforce and grow to be successful leaders.