Khushi’s POV
When I took the role of HR Manager, I knew I wasn’t just signing up for paperwork and policy enforcement—I was stepping into a position where I could make real change, especially for the women in our company. Corporate spaces aren’t always kind to women, especially South Asian women, who often face a double layer of expectations, both culturally and professionally. And yet, many are too afraid to speak up, fearing retaliation, whispers, or worse, isolation. I know this because I’ve been there myself.
There are moments in my day when I hear about the subtle ways women are pushed into silence—a colleague dismissing their opinions in meetings, inappropriate comments about their appearance, or worse, incidents of harassment that they’re too afraid to report. Each story, each experience, takes me back to my early days in the corporate world when I, too, didn’t know how to navigate this space.
I decided early on that I wouldn’t let this continue. Not on my watch.
In our office, I’ve made it clear: no matter your background, your position, or how long you’ve been here, your voice matters. Whether it’s an intern or a senior executive, if someone comes to me with an issue related to harassment or discomfort, I take it seriously. I’ve developed strict guidelines and a zero-tolerance policy for workplace harassment. But beyond policies, it’s about creating a culture of trust—one where my women employees know I’m on their side, no questions asked.
And it’s not just about the aftermath of harassment, either. I work proactively, holding workshops, bringing in speakers, and encouraging mentorship among the women in our office. I want them to know that they’re not alone, that we stand together.
One day, I had to stand up for an employee named Sukanya. It wasn’t an easy situation; she had been enduring inappropriate behavior from a colleague for months but was hesitant to report it. She thought no one would believe her or, worse, that she would be blamed for “misinterpreting” the advances. But when she finally came to me, I listened. I took action. And together, we confronted the issue. The colleague was dismissed, and more importantly, Sukanya found her confidence again.
I will always stand by the women here. I don’t care about the repercussions, and I don’t care how difficult it might be. If I don’t protect the women in my workplace, then I’m failing as a manager—and as a woman.
Sukanya’s POV
Working in a corporate environment as a South Asian woman isn’t easy. There are so many unspoken rules you have to navigate—what to wear, how to act, when to speak up, and when to stay silent. For the longest time, I was the one who stayed silent.
I was good at my job. I worked hard, kept to myself, and avoided drama. But then, one of my male colleagues started to cross lines. At first, it was subtle—compliments that made me uncomfortable, lingering stares. I tried to brush it off, thinking maybe I was overreacting. But it only got worse. The comments became more direct, and soon he was making inappropriate remarks when no one was around to hear.
I felt trapped. Who was going to believe me? I had only been at the company for a year, and he was well-liked by everyone. Plus, we all know how corporate environments can be—women, especially South Asian women, are often labeled as “too sensitive” or “dramatic” if we speak up. I didn’t want that label.
But then, I heard about Khushi.
Khushi had this reputation around the office for being a fierce advocate for women. She wasn’t just a manager who followed the rules—she was someone who really cared. I saw how other women trusted her, how they went to her for advice, and how she stood by them. She was someone who wasn’t afraid to challenge the higher-ups if it meant protecting the women under her care.
So one day, after an especially uncomfortable encounter with my colleague, I gathered the courage to go to Khushi. I was nervous, unsure if I was making the right decision. But the moment I sat down in her office, all my fears melted away. She didn’t just listen to me—she believed me. That alone made me feel like I wasn’t crazy, that I hadn’t imagined any of this.
Khushi didn’t waste any time. She took my complaint seriously and promised immediate action. And true to her word, she handled it swiftly. The colleague was called out for his behavior, and in the end, he lost his job. I was worried about retaliation, but Khushi had my back every step of the way, making sure I felt safe and supported.
Now, when I look at Khushi, I don’t just see a manager—I see a role model. She’s the reason I found my voice again. If it weren’t for her, I would have probably kept quiet, living in fear, thinking that no one would believe me. But Khushi showed me that we, as women, can be strong together, that we can create a safer workplace for all of us.
I’m proud to work under someone like Khushi, and because of her, I know I’ll never stay silent again.
Picture Source: Pinterest
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