Excelling in tough jobs

These brave women have created a niche for themselves in the male domain.

It’s not easy for women to prove their worth in a male bastion.

They have to work doubly hard. But women have time and again challenged the notion that they are the weaker sex.

They have got into tough jobs and worked just as hard as men or even better.

This ‘International Women’s Day’, Metrolife handpicked a few women who’ve excelled in tough jobs and won the admiration of not just their co-workers but the community at large.

Most of these women concede that every day comes with a whole new challenge and brings out another side of their personality.

Anasuya has been a bus conductor for the last few years. She works in shifts and nights shifts are not discounted for her.

 Born and bred in Tumkur, Anasuya was in for a cultural shock when she first came to the City. The people seemed different and life was fast-paced.

“I had to toughen myself and become strong. It’s a tough job and women are not free of harassment but I’ve learnt to give it back,” says Anasuya with a smile.

Nethravathi works in a petrol bunk and is paid less than Rs 10,000 a month, despite the harsh conditions she works in. But that doesn’t concern her as long as she gets her salary on time. Though she works in shifts, she says it suits her well and she has time for herself.

“I’ve been told that being exposed to fumes, smoke and smell of petrol, for a long period of time, can cause health problems. Since it’s hard to find a job these days, I took this up,” she says.

She confesses that there are a few regular customers who have also become her friends now. “Other than manning the petrol pump, I also help out in the store. House-keeping is an integral part of my work profile,” she adds. 

It’s a different ball game for women cops who say that they have to slog it out. But they feel it’s been a rewarding journey so far.

Sonia Narang had worked all across Karnataka before she was posted as deputy commissioner of police (south division) in Bangalore.

“It’s heartening to know that a lot of women are joining the police force. You
have to constantly prove yourself in this profession as it is male dominated. I must say that my journey so far has been very satisfying. I have been able to reach out to a lot of women and make the police more accessible to them,” explains Sonia.

She says that she has managed to win the trust of most women. “I have always dealt with all the cases with empathy and impartiality, free of any prejudice,” she says.

Sathyavathi, an inspector (traffic) in the Magadi Road Police Station limits too says she’s happy that she’s managed to do some good work for the people, especially women. “It feels nice when you’ve done something for the good of the common man.

The job is tough but I’ve been fortunate not to have faced any harassment. There are moments when you feel that you haven’t been given your due but I consider my work as a commitment to the people. Therefore, all other things take a backseat,” she sums up.