Kalpana Apte exudes passion when she advises young women working in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
“They must be committed to human rights as a priority,” says Apte, Director-General of the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI). “It should not be seen as a professional option or a job but a commitment.
Apte has been selected to participate in the International Masters Programme for Managers at the University of Lancaster as part of IPPF’s Leadership Initiative for Women. “It is a dream come true” said the DG.
“I had been feeling the need for further training and support for taking on challenges and for leading the association to the next level. Therefore, I am so looking forward to this course.
“It will give me a unique opportunity to grow, to learn about managing a large non-profit efficiently, to face challenges and effectively solve problems. I am looking forward to leadership training which will translate ultimately into efficient action on the ground.”
“SRHR is a difficult area of work as most of the issues are stigmatised. Often violations are a way of life at the grassroots and progress is slow.
“However, it is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling areas of work.”
She encourages young women in the field to “celebrate small successes” and to “have an indomitable spirit”.
“We must never allow ourselves to be stopped, even when we don’t succeed. We must rise above ourselves and relentlessly work to bring changes,” Dr Apte urges.
However, she admits that the risk of burnout is ever-present with such a high degree of passion.
“We must find fulfilment and peace in the work we do. Otherwise, it is easy to burn out and suffer.”
Dr Apte advises young women to form partnerships with others in the field.
“We must work hand in hand with other women and create a tribe of women and others who lift each other up. We should develop genuine friendships at the workplace and in the professional field.
She further advises against discrimination. “As women we may come from any constituency but we must work for everyone, regardless of their gender and identity.”
Dr Apte believes women should support other women in their organisations by being “accepting and understanding of challenges faced by peers”.
“A woman’s life is complex and full of challenges on many fronts. Balancing domestic and professional lives can be very stressful. Therefore, we must create a workplace that is supportive and empathetic.
“We must influence development of workplace policies which are not only equitable but are supportive. All women need to feel secure and equal, confident in their ability to contribute, notwithstanding their hierarchical positions.”
Dr Apte says an important lesson she has learnt as a female leader is to “have an iron control on display of emotions, especially while expressing dissent”.
“Women leaders are more harshly judged for expressing dissent or disagreement as being shrewish or overreacting, as compared to a male leader whose display of anger is merely termed annoyance.”