Anandan Jayaraman, Lead Gender Diversity – Societe Generale’s Global Solution Centre, Chief of Staff at Societe Generale’s Global Solution Centre (SG GSC)
Anandan has broken the patriarchal mindset at home and makes way for equality for his two children. His #EachForEqual mindset serves as a reminder to his team at SG GSC, on the difference between equality and equity and the need to sometimes err on the side of equity.
In this Q&A with Anandan, we unravel the intricacies of creating a gender agnostic world both at home and at the office.
1. How has your #EachForEqual journey been so far?
I grew up in a conservative South Indian family. My journey of awareness began after I got married. I realised that my best friend, my wife was at the receiving end of most of the chores at home and was almost always taken for granted, even by me. I started getting involved in small tasks and slowly, but surely shared the responsibilities equally. Today, I can proudly say that I am a big ambassador for #EachForEqual.
I have walked the talk. Now, both my children (son and daughter) have grown up as equals. My son can cook and my daughter joins him in learning to be independent, strong and responsible!
At Societe Generale’s Global Solution Centre, as the Lead for the Gender Diversity stream, the momentum has steadily grown over the last 1.5 years. I am now confident that we could further create positive impact as we strive towards our goals based on equal opportunities at work.
2. What have your two toughest hurdles/challenges been during this journey?
Unlearning the patriarchal mindset that I had grown up with. Additionally, convincing the older generation that the daughter-in-law ‘can wear pants’ and contribute to decisions at home.
3. What is the best advice you have received?
Respect your spouse, treat her well and you’ll be loved to the moon and back. I believe that a good husband is not a man who is rich or handsome. He is a man who knows the value of a woman.
4. What is the worst advice you have received?
My grandparents believed that boys should not do the dishes – let alone cook.
