| Balancing her two worlds as an entrepreneur with an exciting new sports venture called TFG and the wife of a successful professional cricketer with a demanding work schedule, Jaya Chahar has proven her mettle to even her most ardent critics. In an exclusive interview, she shares her opinions and thoughts on womanhood in the modern era. |
Q. What are some key experiences that you had growing up which have shaped you into the woman that you are today ?
I had a working mother. She had her own two businesses and also handled the house along with it. I would say that was a first start to having an inclination towards business.
Q. What is the significance of International Women’s Day for you, useful or symbolic ?
I would say everyday is a woman’s day as women face and overcome challenges in evryday life. For me, it’s a symbol of course to show my support and respect for women all over the world however I do support, mentor and encourage some of the women in my everyday life too.
Q. What are some of the challenges you feel are unique to women, even today ?
I would say Patriarchy. Before I started my own venture, I worked as a professional and Definitely faced challenges being a young woman where lot of males did not want to take an order because I was a female. Many a times you are even considered incompetent without even being evaluated.
Q. According to you, what is one piece of advice you’d offer all women ?
Believe in yourself and be independent. You do not need to depend on someone to chase your dreams and you certainly don’t need outer validation. It all falls in place when you follow your instinct with hard work.
Q. Do you see a difference in how younger generations are dealing with gender stereotypes today ?
Definitely the younger people (I’d say more GenZ), do not even believe in stereotyping anymore. This is also largely because of the boom of internet today where they can see the rest of the world at a click and understand what’s good and bad.
Q. Name one modern woman who inspires you.
While there are many women who inspire me, I would say Indira Nooyi is one such modern lady. She not only broke stereotypes but also proved on how successful brand can be built with perseverance.
Q. Do you believe you have succeeded in redefining the roles that gender play in your life ?
I would say I have been successful in redefining roles in terms of gender for myself. No one expects me to cook at home as they know I’m busy building a business. Same goes for our team culture as everyone in my team is young yet talented and doesn’t feel entitled because they are born with a certain gender.
Q. Do you believe it has gotten harder or easier to be a woman than it was 20 years ago ?
It’s definitely gotten easier but we are far from being successful. The laws are supportive however the information about women rights still hasn’t reached many women in rural areas in our country. Thats where it’s hardest to be a woman till now.
Q. A book or movie that believe all women would benefit from.
“Saand ki aankh ” is one such movie I can remember from recent years that I personally felt was very inspiring.
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Q. How has your idea of womanhood evolved over the years ?
“Womanhood” is such a beautiful journey. From being a carefree daughter to a responsible wife and a strong businesswoman, I have evolved massively. I have learnt that the biggest quality of a woman is that she doesn’t need to be hard as a man, she’s a nurturer and a provider both. We don’t need to be feminists who hate men but we just have to be women who support each other and even men if required.
Q. What is one thing that all women should celebrate ?
Women must celebrate their contribution to the socioeconomic, cultural, political and overall achievement of Human race in this world. Celebrate even your mistakes as they shape you who you are today.
Q. Roman Payne famously said “Never did the world make a queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without traveling.” do you agree that travel and exploration can result in both internal and external validation that women don’t often receive ?
I agree a 100% with this quote. As an individual I built my tech company while travelling with my husband as he plays cricket across the world. Thanks to my team and WFH culture, we managed to stay disciplined in delivering on our goals. Travelling makes you understand psyche of different people, makes you an agile individual and helps to open up your knowledge horizons to no limits. It definitely made me a humbler human being too.
