Empowerment Over Fear: How Boss Betis Navigate Unsafe Environments
How This Boss Beti Navigates Unsafe Environments
My name is Esha, and I’m a lawyer. For years, I lived in fear – fear of my daily commute, fear of my workplace, fear of simply existing as a woman in spaces that felt unsafe. But today, I want to share my journey from a place of fear to one of empowerment.
It all started with my dream job as a lawyer. I had worked tirelessly to get where I was, often staying late at the office to prove myself. But with those late nights came a new challenge: the dreaded train ride home.
Every evening, as I stepped onto that train, my heart would race. I’d grip my bag tightly, my eyes constantly scanning my surroundings. Every unfamiliar face, every unexpected movement would send a jolt of anxiety through me. The fear was paralyzing, but I felt I had no choice. This was the price of my ambition, or so I thought.
But the challenges didn’t end with my commute. At work, I faced a different kind of threat. My co-worker, Rajesh, seemed to have made it his personal mission to undermine me at every turn. His comments about my appearance, his questioning of my competence, and his “accidental” touches created a toxic environment that I dreaded entering each day.
I remember one particular incident when Rajesh took credit for a case I had worked on for months. When I confronted him, he laughed it off, saying I was being “too sensitive” and that I should learn to take a joke. I felt small, powerless, and alone.
For months, I suffered in silence. The vibrant, ambitious Esha was fading, replaced by a woman who felt constantly on edge, always looking over her shoulder. I’d come home exhausted, not just from work, but from the constant state of alertness and stress.
But then came the day that changed everything. After a particularly nasty encounter with Rajesh, something inside me snapped. I realized that by staying silent, I was giving power to my fears and to those who sought to intimidate me. It was time for a change.
My journey to empowerment began with small steps. I started by confiding in a senior colleague I trusted about Rajesh’s behavior. To my surprise, I wasn’t alone – other women had similar experiences. This revelation led to the formation of a support group within our firm, where we could share our experiences and strategies for dealing with harassment.
Emboldened by this support, I took the scary but necessary step of reporting Rajesh’s behavior to HR. I meticulously documented every incident, presenting a case that couldn’t be ignored. It wasn’t easy, but seeing the firm take action against Rajesh made me realize the power of speaking up.
But I didn’t stop there. I realized that my fear of commuting was holding me back from fully embracing my career and my life. So, I enrolled in self-defense classes. Not only did I learn physical techniques, but I also gained a boost in confidence that I carried with me everywhere.
I joined a local women’s safety initiative, where I learned about my rights and how to assert them in public spaces. I started using safety apps on my phone and formed a network with other women who commuted late. We would check in on each other, sharing our locations and ensuring everyone reached home safely. This sense of community was a game-changer.
As I grew more confident, I noticed a change in how I carried myself. I walked with purpose, made eye contact, and wasn’t afraid to speak up when I felt uncomfortable. This newfound assertiveness didn’t go unnoticed – I found that people were less likely to bother me.
My transformation inspired other women in my firm and community. I began mentoring junior lawyers, sharing my experiences and strategies for navigating unsafe environments. I even organized workshops on workplace rights and personal safety, empowering other women to take control of their situations.
Today, when I take that late-night train, the experience is entirely different. Instead of fear, I feel a sense of calm confidence. I know I have the tools, the knowledge, and the support network to handle whatever comes my way. The train that once symbolized my vulnerability now represents my strength and resilience.
My journey has taught me that we, as South Asian women, have the power to change our narratives. We can transform from victims of circumstance to architects of our own safety and success. It’s not about ignoring the dangers that exist; it’s about equipping ourselves with the tools and mindset to face them head-on.
To all my fellow Boss Betis out there: Your safety matters. Your comfort matters. Your voice matters. Don’t let fear dim your light. Instead, let it fuel your fire to create a safer world for yourself and for those who will come after you. Remember, a Boss Beti doesn’t just survive in unsafe environments – she transforms them, one brave step at a time.
This is my story, but it doesn’t end here. It continues with every woman who finds her voice, who stands up for herself, who refuses to let fear dictate her life. We are in this together, and together, we are unstoppable.