Believe in Women’s capabilities – Invest in them – See them flourish – Reap benefits

Dangal is one of Bollywood’s highest grossing films of all time, both in the country and internationally. The story of two sisters who come from extremely traditional backgrounds and are yet encouraged to pursue wrestling is beyond inspirational. However, some of the most profound lessons from their story come forward in the subtle moments- there are times when the sisters are criticized for dressing like boys, for cutting their hair short and so on. This is just a reflection of a much broader society that tends to oscillate rapidly between disapproval and acceptance based on the latest news item.

And yet, from Dutee Chand to Mary Kom and beyond, our women athletes have not let the pervading cultural narrative of small-town India come in the way of truly pursuing their dreams.

If we look at their stories more closely, that is simply because on some level, their families were able to support the narrative of their dreams more than they chose to concern themselves with what the social norms of the time stood for.

MC Mary Kom or Magnificent Mary as she is known is truly just that even off the boxing ring. For one, she is what one would call a ‘late-bloomer’- she tasted international acclaim for the first time at the age of twenty-five and well after having been married and giving birth to two kids. In the world of sports where everyone follows a typical narrative and at 38, chants for Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s retirement are ringing strong, Mary Kom demonstrated that she would live by her own ideas of what sporting success means, and she would do it with magnificence.

Speaking of women and their phenomenal success in sports, we cannot help but discuss Dutee Chand. Life has been anything but easy for this girl born and raised in rural Odisha. First, there was the controversy surrounding her gender. Today, urban ideals of gender fluidity prevail but back in 2014, sports authorities said she had ‘too much testosterone’ and Indian media all but paraded her test results. Just as she recovered from that hit, she finds herself mired in a new controversy. Homosexuality is no longer illegal, but in several parts of the country, it is still widely unacceptable with risks to life. And yet, she goes on running.

Another young girl setting the tracks on fire is Hima Das. Just 19 and she recently won five successive gold medals across track events in Europe. Born in Assam, the youngest of five children and parents supporting her career choice through agricultural income – it hasn’t been an easy run. With her town lacking a running track, she had to train on a muddy football field.

In sport, perseverance is the single greatest determinant of success. However, perseverance cannot be built in isolation. All of these athletes have faced the disadvantage of being women in a setting that doesn’t always encourage the unconventional. But they have also had the undying support of their families, their coaches. Dutee’s coach Mr. Ramesh helped her get boarding and food at Pullela Gopichand’s academy so she could train in peace away from threats and criticism. The Phogat sisters had, first and foremost, access to their father’s skill in wrestling- his motives may not have been selfless, but the end result is there for all to see.

Most significantly, all of these people invested in these women at a time when no one really saw their potential. There was a time before these people became champions and yet, their inner circle saw and cheered on for this potential, giving them whatever opportunities, they could.

You can draw parallels in the corporate world as well. Companies that invest in developing women’s potential see them grow the organisation reap diversity dividend. All women need is a pinch of support and they will go all the way to showcase what they are capable of.

Investing in women is not only the right thing to do but the most important thing to do to have competitive advantage in the marketplace today.