We were honored to hear from Ms. I. S. Yasmin on International Women’s Day. She is a trailblazing detective and a source of inspiration for many. She discussed her priceless knowledge and experiences under the heading “Inspire Inclusion,” emphasizing the value of resilience, diversity, and empowerment in the workplace. These are a few amazing responses she provided at the event, which shed light on her career path and the significance of inclusive practices in her industry.
• From that perspective, what does inclusion mean for women? More importantly, how is inclusion important for you?
inclusion to me means something similar along the lines of equal opportunity. As a woman, and I speak for all women here, inclusion has been given to us like it’s a privilege. Like it’s something that the society gives to us out of pity, or for just the name of it, to advertise “look we include women” because apparently we are not enough to get this by just being born , just as the men. Inclusion is very important to me, inclusion is what sets the stage or lays down the foundation for me to express what I’m capable of. Only if you get to see what I’m capable of doing , should you be allowed to make a judgement of whether or not I’m deserving of anything. Therefore, inclusion to me should be a birthright irrespective of any factors. Inclusion should come as a birthright.
• What are some exclusionary barriers you faced—either on professional, personal or familial level?
Just by being a woman, I have faced exclusionary barriers on all of these levels. It’s always you’re woman, you will have to handle family & domestic chores & be feminine’ in terms of professional point of view. I’m a woman , I’m weaker & my safety is concern’ is a thought that personally is deep rooted in every woman. And obviously ‘you’re a woman, we are only trying to protect you, it’s not safe out there. Be within this boundary we have set for you. Do you need this, you’re a woman?” From a familial point of view.
To be honest, exclusion is what we recieve as a birthright to being born as a woman.
• Can you share your experiences on how you addressed the challenges and what changes do you think society, as a whole, needs to make to become more inclusive?
Like I’ve mentioned, exclusion has been a part of our lives since birth. It is getting what’s rightfully ours, just to get a chance to show we are capable of anything at all has been battles that all us women fight everyday. My coming into this field was one big war, that exploded like a mine field at my house. “You’re a Woman” was the only final answer that I got and that did not settle well with me. I thought “why does anyone else get to say what I am capable of or not just because I’m a woman?” So I showed I could do it just as good, even better than any men can & I take immense pride in my work.
As a society, I think we all need to understand that we are really just protecting women from “ourselves” literally speaking. Who are we worried will hurt us women? Our own fellow humans! I think we just have to understand that we’re all humans & we all deserve everything to be put out to us equally. No discrimination & segregation based on anything. And more importantly we need to learn to unlearn a lot of our old cultural practices & mindset that puts anyone in a box and limits them.
• Is there any one anecdote or experience that stands out or that few people know about your journey?
When I was just 20 years, fresh out of college , i took up a type writing job in a company. I was a fresher but learnt my work pretty quick & was good at it too and there was this incident where my owner would find mistakes in my typing & would correct me by leaning himself onto me, caressing my hands and this made me feel uncomfortable. I was not very aware of the concept of “good touch & bad touch”, thanks to the awareness regarding this topic back in 1999. I knew something was off but I didn’t know if I was right or wrong. And Then long story short, someone else closely working with my owner casually suggested I “adjust” to the owner & I would get additional pay. This infuriated me so much and I quit the job creating quite a scene by slapping the owner right across his face to even think that being a woman means you “adjust” to get a place you rightfully earned through your hardwork. That day was a big turning point in my life, the day I realised how I was not valued for my work, and being a woman meant you cross the same path as men but face different & unwanted obstacles. The day I decided I cannot work under anyone but will be my own boss & hopefully a better boss to other woman out there.
• Lastly, what is the one decision/action that you’re proud of having made that has had a far-reaching impact personally or professionally?
One decision that I am extremely proud of and has made my soul content is choosing this Investigation field. I have always been a very trustworthy person, and luckily enough this profession has made me a vessel of trust. A solace / solution that anyone from literally any part of the world seeks for their problems. I’ve constantly searched for a soul feeding career option & tried multiple fields that has satisfied me enough in terms of personal or financial growth but choosing this field has satisfied my soul too.
• Are there any steps you’ve taken to inspire inclusion at work, home or in any other area?
Absolutely! Remember I said something about being a good boss? That wasn’t just a fleeting thought. It was a life decision I took.
And today I’m proud to say there are many young, fierce and bold woman working under me, toiling in the sun or out late at night & happily doing the job that this society would’ve labelled as a “man’s job”. And best yet, they wouldn’t have to “adjust” to have their hardwork recognised & rewarded under me.
And personally, I’ve made sure I have brought up my daughters close to no different than a man. They are given the same treatment & so called “privileges” that any boy child would get. And any boy child in my family or friend’s family are to do the exact same chores that a girl child would be told to do because that’s a “girl’s job ultimately one day”. In our house you do the work that needs to be done, men or women , no differentiation & segregation.
On International Women’s Day, Ms. I. S. Yasmin’s observations had a profound effect on everyone in attendance. Her career as a trailblazing detective serves as an example of the ability of diversity and inclusivity to break down barriers and achieve success. She has motivated many people to embrace diversity and strive for a more just society by sharing her experiences and promoting inclusive behaviors. Her remarks serve as a helpful reminder that genuine empowerment results from encouraging and supporting one another and creating a setting in which everyone can achieve success.
