| Kanchan Rai is a woman working to empower and enlighten more women. She is an emotional and mental well-being coach with certification from the International Coaching Federation and the founder or ‘Let us Talk’ foundation which provides counseling and therapy services. She believes in the power of self-work to unlock your inner potential. |
Q. What are some key experiences that you had growing up which have shaped you into the woman that you are today ?
I don’t think there was ever any discrimination between a boy or a girl and belonging to such a family has helped shape me into the woman that I am today. Also, doing the things that I believe in has played a huge role in my life. Growing up in a gender-neutral family was the defining factor in my childhood.
Q. What is one piece of advice you’d offer all women ?
I would like to suggest that all women should focus on their health. I see that women are usually busy taking care of everyone else and therefore their own health is likely to suffer. Women are always taking care of their children, work responsibilities, the home and the people around them. They need to be very cautious of their mental health as well, neglecting that could have a very negative impact on not just them but also the whole family.
Q. Do you see a difference in how younger generations are dealing with gender stereotypes today ?
I believe that this generation is very woke. They know exactly what they want and how to get it. They do not believe in limiting their options. This generation is also exceeding expectations in the way that they take care of themselves. They do not let any rules or structures restrict them and instead focus on being the best versions of themselves.
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Q. Do you believe it has gotten harder or easier to be a woman than it was a decade ago ?
Certain things are still very difficult for women till date. In a working environment I think women must put more effort to put their point across. I think that it is very easy to overlook their stand because empathetic behaviour or feminine behaviour is often misconstrued as weak or ineffective. Therefore, it becomes imperative for women to be stronger and bolder to get the message across and ensure that nobody can take them lightly.
Q. A book or movie that you believe all women would benefit from consuming.
In my opinion, it is not about reading or watching something but about inspiration. In my mind the Bhagavad Gita has always served to inspire me and whenever I get stuck somewhere, it helps me to clear my mind and push my boundaries. It is the book I look forward to reading and re-reading.
Q. What is one thing that all women should celebrate?
I think women should celebrate the achievements of all women and truly put an end to the notion that women do not support each other or that they are very competitive. It is time to change that narrative and truly celebrate all women. I can see that having a positive effect on society at large as well as families and individual women.
