International Women’s Day (or for us, week) is the perfect platform to celebrate the achievements of women to help promote a gender equal world. This year’s theme is ‘Embrace Equity’ with the goal of breaking down the barriers that impede women’s ability to thrive.
Sometimes you are told a story that needs to be heard by others. A story that is, in a word, tenacious and complements International Women’s Day goal of championing female empowerment and act as a trailblazer to allow other women to fulfil their dreams. Today, Suman’s story.
Strong female role models in her family has coloured many of Suman’s own values and beliefs held today. Her mother always believed, from the very start that all girls should have a career.
“Mum wanted to have a career, but her marriage was arranged at the age of 18. Although, all things were provided for her, she didn’t have the freedom of taking decisions of her life. My mother had to compromise her dreams and she didn’t want me to have same experience. She never said that I have to be extremely successful, but she told me if I was an independent woman who can look after herself then every relationship is far happier. You like yourself more, “said Suman, reflectively.
Flight Lieutenant Suman was privately educated in her native India before continuing her higher education in the UK. Her family never believed in the pervading norms that existed at the time. “They always did what was the right thing to do– even if it was not popular,” said the mother of two proudly. Taboos, however, were still there. As a teenage girl growing up, the social norms still affected what women could do.
“Growing up I wondered why I couldn’t be a boy because life is so much easier. No one questions you. My brother could stay out late, and do what he liked, but I couldn’t,” said the slightly puzzled Suman. “But I don’t think like that anymore. Not in years.”
Prior to joining the RAF, Suman had roles in Barclays Bank and the marketing department of Marks & Spencer, before meeting her husband, who was a JNCO in Army. But with her husband’s regiment moving three times in three years, it was difficult to sustain a consistent career. This resulted in a three-year gap away from mainstream work, which lead to some soul searching;
“I felt my education was getting wasted…. that I was missing something. I was very career orientated even as a child. I always wanted to have a job – run a business or something.”
A chance comment by her brother changed Suman’s life. He had heard good things about the RAF and the high number of females they employed. It was something that Suman had thought about in the past, but never really believed she could do with a young family. After looking into the options, she approached the Armed Forces Career Office.
Originally applying for a commission, she was turned down. Despite having a master’s degree from a UK university her GCSE’s gained in India were not deemed adequate. This may have disheartened many, but Suman is no ordinary person – her attitude and resolve to succeed saw her press on. Joining instead as an AS1, she embraced the new role and took a further three years to study GCSE Mathematics, English & Physics. During this time, she also had another child, embracing motherhood in her stride for a second time. Juggling so many responsibilities was tough, but Suman knew in her heart that it what she wanted. It was one step closer to the dream of a new career.
“RAF supported me to achieve the required qualifications for commissioning and I was confident that I could do it.’’
Talking to Suman I get an overwhelming sense of calm and spirituality. Someone who is at peace with herself and facing all the experiences that life presents her with determination and a healthy dose of good humour. Her tenure in the RAF has enhanced her belief that anything is possible.
“My experience of working for the RAF has been exceptional and fulfilling. The RAF has provided me a level playing field where I am valued for my skills, experience, ethics, and professionalism. I have never been judged based on my gender, skin colour or race and that’s what motivates me to give my best and work hard every day.”
“I am happy where I am. I feel satisfied, and I want to do a good job,” said the Flt Lt with an overwhelming sense of purpose. Suman also believes that there are a multitude of opportunities for women in the RAF, it is just a case of exploring what is out there;
“They (the RAF) want you to strike that professional/personal work life balance. There are many changes that are coming through now for which we will see the result in the near future. It will be a completely different RAF in many ways.”
Suman is proof that even later in life, with a young family to provide for and other mountains to climb, if you have the tenacity, commitment and desire, then there are still ways to follow your dream.
