On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we bring you some of the most notable and distinguished women eduleaders from the education industry to share their incredible journey, insights, and experiences. Here are the excerpts from the interview
Garima Singhvi
Director
Presidency School, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Basics of financial literacy for girls is a must and steps are being taken towards this in Presidency School. A well expressed and articulated child grows into a confident adult and that’s why special emphasis is laid on spoken English for every student alike. I always believed in the saying of my alma mater, Lady Sriram College (Delhi), and it goes thus, “Women who try to equal men, lack ambition”.
Imparting confidence in girl child has been the biggest focus since inception at Presidency School. In our institution, we have compulsory self-defence training for all female students. This aspect provides a big boost to the upbringing of our children from early ages, in fact as young as 9 year olds.
Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. It requires a huge risk appetite, hunger to change status quo, garnering peoples’ trust, among many others. A good emotional understanding from family members on the motive of entrepreneurship journey is a must. A sustainable support system to run the home smoothly while every member needs are met may sound understated, but is crucial for peace of mind. Ease of getting financing for women entrepreneurs will be a big boost going forward. The paperwork needs to be simpler. Safety laws for women protection in the country are to be strengthened if we want to see a boost in women entrepreneurship.
The biggest opportunity at a personal level is the ability to constantly learn, innovate, and be resilient. These are also life skills needed for the 21st century that we impart in our students at Presidency School. In fact, our School’s motto is also “Reverence for Learning”. When we talk about learning, it is not only adding to the knowledge base but it is also experiential, all inclusive and transformational.
Leadership may seem complicated but it is all about, one’s being with the people around. To simply put, leadership and management together, I would say “connect before you perfect” and that’s what I have learnt in a role as a Director which I humbly embrace.
Create a culture where women are offered a level playing field with dignity and equal pay.
