A Journo's Diary

As the world sets its eyes on the International Women’s day, marked every year on 8th March, It gives us an opportunity to look back and reflect on the contribution of women – the backbone of our society. Women hold a very important place in the Hindu mythology as the three main elements of a human’s life – power, wealth & knowledge are personified by Goddesses, viz, Durga – Embodiment of Power, Saraswati – Embodiment of Knowledge & Lakshmi – Embodiment of Wealth.

An old saying goes – “Strong women make strong nation” and it is very relevant in the present day world. In a conversation with Mrs. Kishwar Desai, a famous journalist, author and wife of Lord Meghnad Desai, Member, House of Lords, she talks us through her early life, career and her views on various issues affecting women all over the world today.

1. What made you decide upon joining this field of work?

I have been working in media now for now more than 25 years—as a journalist, TV producer, anchor, TV channel head and now author. I always wanted to write and was also fascinated by the visual medium. So I suppose I found the right medium by first joining TV—and now by writing about cinema whenever I can.

2. Tell us briefly something about yourself and your background.

I grew up in India –went to nearly 10 different schools because my father was in the police. He was (and still is) incorruptible and so irate politicians would transfer him around frequently. I studied economics in college –but realised it was not for me. I got an early break first with the Indian Express and Femina. Soon I was making UGC documentaries, and then joined NDTV. I remained in TV for a long time—till I came to the UK, and settled down to write my first book, Darlingji: The True Love Story of Nargis and Sunil Dutt. The wonderful response to the book has made me into a full-time writer!

3. As a British Indian/Asian/Indian woman have you ever faced discrimination in your field of work which is principally male dominated?

I have to say that I always felt I have been very lucky that I was born a woman—and it has always been a help and not a hindrance. I have never been discriminated against—and I always received a great deal of encouragement in every organisation I worked with. In one of my first jobs, for instance, in Femina, my boss the wonderful Vimla Patil hired me even though I was five months pregnant! I think if you work hard and honestly—you can have a successful and very enjoyable career, even as a woman, and especially in the media industry.

4. Do you think in Britain work ethics/environment for Indian women are equal as for Caucasian men and women?

To be honest, I have never worked here in an office environment. But I am, by and large, very impressed by the great amount of attention paid to equality in the work place. The environment is extremely ‘politically correct’ and I think the Government takes a keen interest in the workplace. There will always be individual cases where discrimination may have occurred—but I think the present generation of Asians will not tolerate any injustice as they have a great sense of self respect and are as well educated ( if not better) than their Western counterparts.

5. What is your opinion about forced marriage and honour killing?

It is obviously terrible that both forced marriages and honour killings still exist, and women are often the innocent victims targeted and cruelly treated by their own families. It happens in Asia and unfortunately, it even happens in the UK, as people bring both the good and the evil traditions with them, when they migrate. However, whilst in India these incidents get reported cursorily and then disappear—the media coverage of these crimes in the UK is enormous and there are also organisations which actually help the victims –if they survive. Therefore, one hopes that at least in the UK, things may change—and that Asian families will learn to value their women as much as they value their men.

6. According to your opinion what is the most special essence in a woman? How would you celebrate that essence in a woman on 8th of March 2009?

Every woman has many special strengths so it will be difficult to pinpoint just one quality—but I suppose the most precious essence of being a woman is to be a ‘caring’ human being. Often this quality is suppressed in the struggle to survive. So, to celebrate that quality on International Women’s Day—I would ask women to show that they care –about their families, and especially about their little girls. I would request them to start a global campaign against female foeticide, which is an enormous problem in India.

http://epaper.asian-voice.com/AV/AV/2009/03/07/ArticleHtmls/07_03_2009_007_004.shtml?Mode=1