Dhawal Godhwani, Vice President of Global Product Management, joins us in celebrating Women’s History Month by sharing about an admirable woman in history that inspires him and how he intends to help fight for a gender equal world.

Do any particular women in history inspire you? Why?

Indira Gandhi – She was the first and, so far, the only female Prime Minister of India.

I have always admired her because of her approach, attitude, and accomplishments during her time in office. She did a lot in centralizing the government power in India, which is still the cornerstone of Indian democracy. For the first time in India leadership, she stood-up against aggression from Pakistan, not just toward Indians, but also Pakistanis. She went to war to prevent the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, won it, and helped the people from the east, who needed support, got them independence, and created Bangladesh for them. She also took a very heavy hand against terrorists, especially when they took shelter in holy building(s), which eventually led to her assassination. Still, her memory and the good work she did, lives on.

How will you help forge a gender equal world?

By helping create equal opportunities, pay, roles and attitude, across all genders. If each of us does their part, the world will become a more gender-neutral place, slowly but surely.

How have generations of women in your family before you impacted the work you do in your job and/or your community?

Growing up, various women impacted who I am and what I do (on a regular basis) work and otherwise.

I grew up in a joint family, and my maternal aunt, who lived with us, is the first women in the family to have a paycheck job. She worked as an English professor at the most esteemed college in our town and is now retired. She helped ensure that higher education was important in the family, and that resulted in all the kids in the join-family having a college-degree or higher.

My mother, who is the homemaker of my family, is the most important influence in my life. I learnt empathy from her, and how to stay positive, even in the face of storm. The way she took care of everything at home, working tirelessly and diligently has shaped my attitude and approach towards everything I do, work and outside of it. You must always give your 100%.

How do you plan to support IWD 2021 campaign theme: #ChooseToChallenge?

Call out inequality when and where I see it, and do my part to make the change, for the better.