Page 49 - EW March 2021

EW SPOTLIGHT FEATURE

Education sector is welcoming to

women: DHWANI JAIPURIA

Dhwani Jaipuria: Director - SRJ Edu Services Pvt. Ltd

a difference and prove myself. I had no
experience of the education sector and the
first biggest challenge was to set up an entire
pre-school within 3 months. I educated myself
1. Do you think women in leadership roles about the industry and, looking back, I can say
are still a minority in India? What is the that those were three adventurous months of
situation in the education space? How can my life. Leadership position for me is all about
we increase the number of Indian women knowing your manpower, its strengths and
in leadership roles? weaknesses and, of course, having a team
Women are surely taking up more leadership with the same intent. With a dedicated team I
roles than before, even though they are think the obstacles do not seem like obstacles.
still a minority in India. Today, as many as I want to change a lot of things. I would love
14 percent of all entrepreneurs in India are 4. Do you consider yourself a leader at the parents not to put too many pressing
women which is a lot better than what it was a Little One, the Jaipuria Pre-School? What demands on their children. Parents often
decade ago. Women do hold more leadership do you feel you bring to the role that expect their children to be perfect at
roles in the education space as teachers, inspires others to see you as a leader? everything they do. They often get impatient
principals, and counsellors because of their I see myself as a team-player at Little One, the and expect children to obey every command.
natural ability to connect with children. As for Jaipuria Preschool, and my meetings with the The truth is that children need their own time
increasing their number in leadership roles, a team often motivate us all. I think if a leader and space to learn everything. The most
lot can be done. First of all, girl children should can keep her team motivated and striving important thing they have to learn is to learn.
be educated and empowered. Attitudes need for perfection, she is on the right track. It’s all
to change regarding the roles that women can about giving the right balance of guidance and 6. What projects or goals are you working
and should perform in society. Merit should be space for someone to perform. Leadership on or leading currently?
given precedence over gender at work places, is an ongoing learning process for me, and As far as projects and goals go, my constant
and pay parity ought to be ensured. my mentor is my father-in-law, Shri Shishir endeavour is to strive for perfection. I’m happy
Jaipuria, Chairman of Seth Anandram Jaipuria running the 5 pre-schools, and I aspire for
2. When looking specifically at educational Group of Educational Institutions. them to be the best 5 pre-schools in India.
planning and management, why is Since what we are doing in the pre-primary
it important that we have women in 5. As an academician, what would you like space is replicable, I do see a lot of franchisee
leadership positions? to change in the field of education or our opportunities for my fellow women to come
Leadership roles in educational planning and current pre-primary education system in forward and make their mark in the field of
management shouldn’t be the sole preserve general? education.
of women or men, but it is important that
women should get 100% opportunity for these 7. Do you have any thoughts you would
positions. I believe leadership roles should be like to share about being a woman in
independent of gender. the education sector or advice for other
women carving a top management space?
3. As a woman in a leadership position, Of all the sectors, I think the education sector
what was this journey like for yourself? is most welcoming to women and it is up
How were you able to overcome the to them to do their job well and strive for
different obstacles encountered? excellence. Honestly, it is fun to be a part of
I didn’t encounter many obstacles in my the education sector. There is no shortage
making as a leader. The obstacles appeared of learning and it is a special experience to
after I took up a leadership role. With an interact with kids, be experimental, and be
education background in architecture, I playful. Finally, I would sign off with a quote
took up the position as Director of SRJ that applies to me, and to all of my teammates
Edu Services because I wanted to make and students. That is: Learn to Learn.

EDUCATIONWORLD MARCH 2021