Spirited women in unconventional careers!

While we frequently hear of women who excel in academics, it's not uncommon that they even foray into sports like shooting, cricket, rugby, etc. which were once predominantly considered a 'male’ sport.

These days, women have even taken up professions like bartending, stand-up comedian, locomotive engine driving, etc..

No longer the teaching, banking and medical professions are the only fields considered ‘decent’ or ‘safe’ for a women.

What really drives a woman into choosing a profession which is considered 'unconventional’?

1. Economic conditions:

More often than not, ladies from poorer economic background are forced to take up professions like being a bus/auto rickshaw driver, security guards or even dhakis these days(female drummers playing in pujas in West Bengal).

The pressures of running a family is shared equally by the lady of the house too.

2. Lack of jobs available:

What if a lady wants to be a cook but there's no opportunity to get employed or enough funds to start her own venture? Lack of so called 'conventional’ jobs also leads women to take up professions predominantly ruled by men.

3. Food for the soul:

Some are simply not built for the 9-5 jobs! It's the urge to start something new or be 'your own boss’ leads them to start their own venture. It could even be lack of job satisfaction or lack of challenges in the job/sport, which leads to the same.

There are ladies foraying into their own organic farming venture after doing an MBA or taking up a risky sport like mountaineering just for soul satisfaction.

The challenges ahead….

The path of the so called 'unconventional’ career is never easy. Whether it's stand-up comedy or taking up a sport like boxing; women breaking the shackles of tradition are always questioned, ridiculed, discouraged and at times even sexually harassed. At every stage she is expected to prove herself. She is not only up against the society but mostly also against her own family.

What can we do?

Being supportive is what parents, spouse and a family can do. There are movies these days, encouraging women to take up unconventional careers, especially sports.

As a society, we need to support and emboldened our women to be financially independent, no matter which profession she chooses for herself.

So don't be surprised if your daughter aspires to be in an unusual profession like, a tour guide or a  professional surfer...just make sure you raise her with enough integrity, character and values to live and persue her dreams!