I’m participating in the #AtoZ April Blogging Challenge 2025 and this will be my third year of joining the vibrant community that loves this one-of-a-kind creative challenge.
This year, my theme is—BOOKS THAT HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE—which means they are not just my favourite books, but they’ve also left a deep and lasting impact on me and continue to do so until this day. I’m also blogging on my other blog—’TheSkyGirlMusings‘—and my theme there is THE A TO Z OF SELF CARE. Do check it out and follow me there, if you are new to it. If you leave your blog link, I’ll be happy to follow you back too. 🙂
Equal Yet Different by Anita Bhogle
Reading this book reminds me of the incredible power that books have to educate, inspire, and transform us. I came across it in a book shop about a yearback and I have to say, it was the tag line on the jacket of the book that made me pick it up. It said:
“Equal Yet Different is exactly how women want to be treated and need to be treated.”
The book is almost like a manifesto for an equal world—that actually maps out out an action plan for women to maximise their potential in the workplace. The strength of this book lies in the way in which the author brings her research expertise to the fore, and quickly manages to get to the heart of all the barriers that hold women back in their careers.
Having worked in India and the UK in the capacity of a Management Development professional, I’ve seen how differently men and women see their career progression and since this has always been an area of interest to me, I was eager to dive into the book and read about the shared experiences of all the women leaders that the author has compiled. Anita brings in insights from high achievers like Sangeeta Talwar—the first woman executive at Nestle India, Falguni Nayar of Nykaa, Madhabi Puri Buch—chairperson SEBI, market strategy consultant Rama Bijapurkar and many other women leaders at the entry level and mid-career levels along with some of her own from her IIM-Ahmedabad alumni group, both of which is equally fascinating!
Each of their experiences and journeys tell a story, that not only inspire confidence in the reader but also serve as a reminder that even successful leaders face challenges, but it is their determination and preparation that makes all the difference. Interestingly, one observation I had was that all these leaders had one common trait—their drive to climb the ladder, pick up the mantle and do their homework.
Anita highlights how women’s mindset can be a significant barrier for themselves. For instance, women seek validation and are often perfectionists. They may not consider a deal closed until they see the paperwork signed, whereas men might celebrate as soon as the deal is agreed upon.
I particularly loved how Anita insists that women dream aloud. This might have been very rare to see when I had just entered the workforce almost three decades ago, but, I can see that happening now and I think that is definitely changing the demographics at the workplace. Anita emphasizes the importance of women speaking up about their ambitions and passions, both at home and in the workplace, and setting clear expectations with all stakeholders. I know, from my own experience and seeing many of my peers how challenging it must be, because women tend to be criticized for it. This mantra to be persistent, despite the odds that lie on their path—this very thing determines how successfully a woman might steer her career path ahead.
Discrimination at work, gender stereotyping, lack of support from the families, often become the main obstacles for women despite their talents and abilities to advance in their professional lives.
There were multiple strands in the book that I found extremely valuable for those women who are currently working their way up the ladder. I so wish I had come across these earlier in my work life—for instance, the need for creating a strong personal brand; letting go of hesitation in giving feedback when it is not pleasant; to ask for a role even when we feel we are not 10/10 on it; not guilt tripping, when opportunities to network or collaboration come up, because women are most often torn between dividing their time at work and home, in their juggle to strike a balance between personal and work lives. The book brought back to mind so many of the challenges that I myself faced, which, now, on hindsight, feels not worth the pain at all! But, thirty years ago, times were different! Hopefully, the signs of a shift mean things are changing.
To sum up, I should say this book is a must read for everyone—for it has multiple layers and threads to show why women are equal and yet different, from men, and how understanding this fact will help women get the support and develop the skills to grow and thrive at their work places.
*******
Read the previous posts in the #AtoZChallenge series by clicking below: