How India Inc is trying to become more inclusive

With increased emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion, companies are finding new ways to build a more supportive workplace culture

- Reem Khokhar

While working at a multinational few years ago, Rashika Maity, a transgender woman, faced a lot of discrimination. "They (Maity's team members) would not teach us anything, often underestimating us and thinking we are incapable," recalls the 26-yearold. Colleagues excluded Maity and another worker, also a transgender, from internal conversations as well. For instance, their entire team was invited for a colleague's wedding, except the two of them. "I understand and respect the person's decision, but we felt bad because they would plan the wedding arrangements around us." After two years, Maity decided to move on. She's now working at an international recruitment firm in Bengaluru as an executive assistant, and has not experienced any kind of discrimination till date. This perhaps indicates a gradual shift in workplace inclusiveness.

In the competitive corporate world, it can be quite challenging for marginalized communities to gain acceptance and appreciation. But transgender persons, individuals whose gender identity, expression or behaviour does not conform to that typically associated with the sex assigned to them at birth, struggle to even reach the door. For the few who do manage to enter the corporate race, it can be a lonely and unwelcome environment.