Zainab Patel, who was recently appointed the head of diversity and inclusion at Pernod Ricard India, is a transwoman, has had a ringside view of the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Making her mark in the space of D&I, Zainab, who has been a staff member at the United Nations, focusing on human rights, gender equality, and health in India and the Asia Pacific Region, has her learnings, insights, and reflections to share about creating inclusive and equitable workplaces.
In a free-wheeling conversation with Dr. Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar Group, as part of the myAvtar My Identity Series, she delves into the takeaways that life has offered her at all fronts- professional and personal.
The beginning: tough teenager years and coming out
Zainab recounts that the world realized that she was different even before she could. She says, “I was going to an all-boys school. As someone not fitting the norm, I was under a lot of pressure to perform and conform. I was a bright kid, but it began impacting my thinking. Between classes 8 and 10, when I was about 14-16 years of age, I was struggling with depression. I had suicidal tendencies and tried to self-harm. My parents had to soon enrol me in a boarding school for me to have a different experience—all when I was going to any extent to avoid school. I can say that singling out people is happening in real-time.”
On misconceptions that transpeople choose their gender and it is under their control.
“Unfortunately, people in the position of privilege think it is easy to choose your gender or identity expression,” says Zainab. She adds that human beings are not gender agnostic in their upbringing or conditioning– be it the color of the sweaters or booties or education. “Most of the world is used to the male or female categorization of individuals, they don’t realize the privilege they are born with. For a person like me who has undergone a lot of personal issues and struggles to come where I am, it is not a personal choice to be trans or to identify in an expression, which is not considered normative and natural. If I have to live even one day as a woman, despite the problems I would still make that choice because it is the true me.”
On dilemma at the workplace and victimhood
Zainab says that she has always believed in leaving imprints at all the organizations she has worked for. She adds that no job is perfect or immaculate, but the challenge for her was when she transitioned, no one spoke about these things, and no one believed in equity. Elaborating on one of her struggles, she adds, “I couldn’t find the washroom of my choice, and I soon restricted my water intake because I didn’t want to visit the washroom. I still don’t drink enough water because I internalized this practice.”
Another common challenge, she points out, is that people do not understand the importance of pronouns “The same goes for being called by your preferred name after you have made the transition,” she says.
Zainab observes that the victimhood ingrained from childhood as one realizes same-sex attraction or a different identity is a big cross to bear. It continues into adulthood, profession, and worldly dealings.
“In the UN, I had a woman boss who was very concerned about me and made me think beyond the box and seek creativity. Victimhood will always be part of the story, but can you change that into stories of resilience? Vulnerability is something that has to be tackled on a day-to-day basis,” she points out.
On what organizations can do to assist the community
Zainab says, “Let me first congratulate you on the amazing work Avtar has been doing. I would like to tell people in workplaces if people come and tell you they want to discuss that they feel closeted or choked, use that opportunity to be human. Whether you agree or not, don’t be a judge. As a colleague or co-worker, how is their gender identity or orientation going to change your work? It can only change for the better. The only good thing that comes out of it is that it makes you wise and empathetic.”
For those from the community, she asks them to find someone whom they can trust. “Look for a workplace buddy, and if you find a mentor, who looks at you beyond your orientation and sponsors you, that would be the icing on the cake,” she adds.
On economic security and skills
Admitting that it has been a challenge for those on the economic margins in the community, Zainab says that skilling in employment is long-term work. “There are no concerted efforts made to bring them to the mainstream. At the employer level, one can create demands around tasks that the group can deliver. Of course, there is a range of skill sets- agility, responsiveness, authenticity, honesty, and communication. If these are cultivated, they can be absorbed in that 1- 2 percent quota reserved for them. Upskilling them is also essential by creating the demand in the community.”
She also has a word of caution that stresses the need to build support systems for the group. “Take the case of Kochi Metro, where they got jobs; they were unable to find accommodation,” she says.
On successful transition, having a good relationship, and a great job
“There is no secret at all. I thank god and my parents, they put in a sense that education does matter. I believe that to change things around, things have to change within me,” she says.
However, she refuses to take up the title of a role model. “The shoes of role model are difficult to wear, and the cross is too much to carry. If you fail, you bring down the aspirations of people, who look up to you, whoever they are,” she says.
She underscores that for breaking the glass ceiling just like others, the challenges are the same- changing the mindset.
“If I have to continue to be a brand, what is the investment I need to make? That involves upskilling, breaking the glass ceiling, and looking at the competitive edge,” she says
She signs off reflecting on the thoughts that the diversity she brings in doesn’t just result in innovative solutions but also impacts how others view people like her at the workplace.
“Make a mark, stand up and realize the power within yourself,” she concludes.
To know more, click on the below links;
myAvtar My Identity | Zainab Patel | Dr Saundarya Rajesh | Pride Month Special – Part 1
myAvtar My Identity | Zainab Patel | Dr Saundarya Rajesh | Pride Month Special – Part 2
myAvtar My Identity | Zainab Patel | Dr Saundarya Rajesh | Pride Month Special – Part 3
