Q&A with WOMAG Internal Engagement Lead, Surabhi Kapoor

Hi Surabhi, welcome to the WOMAG Executive Committee! What encouraged you to apply for this newly created role – Internal Engagement Lead - in particular?

It is my constant endeavor to amplify the voices of women, make their stories heard and support them in the career of their choices. Being a part of WOMAG gives me an opportunity to continue my work in the area of gender diversity by supporting women, who for centuries have contributed immensely to feed generations without much support, recognition or reward. My role in WOMAG is a natural extension of my core, which is responsibility and service.

Were you involved with WOMAG in the past? What encouraged you to apply as an ExCo member as opposed to a volunteer?

I attended an in-person coffee session a couple of years back which made me curious about WOMAG. I remember distinctly, it was a brilliant interview of a very inspiring young lady by the name of Cherrie Atilano, conducted by the effervescent Elizabeth Hernandez – WOMAG’s previous Vice President (Outreach). I knew that day I want to be associated with WOMAG. It’s taken me some time but I am glad to be a here. The smooth and efficient functioning of a volunteer run organization can be a challenging affair. I am confident that with my background of managing teams of different age groups, nationalities and cultures I will be able to, as ExCo member, steer WOMAG to even bigger accomplishments.

What is your "day job", and how do you think it will help you in your role as Lead Internal Engagement with WOMAG?

My last corporate position (which was 6 months back) was the Regional Head of Human Resources for BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Business in Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. I held this position for more than 3 years which gave me the leadership experience and the understanding of the Agricultural Industry. Not surprisingly, Leadership development, stakeholder engagement, diversity and inclusion, employer branding, were some of my main responsibilities and also areas of my interest. I am looking forward to using my learnings and experience in my role as Lead Internal Engagement at WOMAG.

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap 2021 report, at current pace the average time it will take for the gender gap to close in East Asia and the Pacific is a staggering 165 years. What change do you hope to see in the shorter term - let's say, within 10 years?

 It’s unfortunate that less girls attend school as compared to boys and that more women drop out of full-time jobs as compared to men. The reasons are plenty, sometimes personal, many times cultural. I have a long list of changes I would like to see, few that make it to the top of the list are:

·       I think it all starts with better accessibility of education for girls.

·       The Government and Private sector playing an active role in hiring and promoting females’ talents.

·       Deliberate and conscious creation of work opportunities, especially for women who decide to return to work, after taking a break for few years.

·       Lastly and most importantly an ecosystem where women are encouraged and sponsored to pursue a career of their choice.

Want to learn more about or connect with Surabhi? You can find her LinkedIn profile here.