In a predominantly patriarchal society that we live in, women still have to brave the evils of the society and struggle to prove their worth. And Ananya’s journey was no different. “I come from a wonderful, open-minded family. My community though is fairly conservative. The marriage age is 18-23 years, but I chose a relatively unfamiliar path in entertainment and business. When I started on my journey in corporate India at the age of 17, microfinance was no place for women. That too, a teenager. The disparity around me was all too obvious, and I have worked to change that. I was constantly in board rooms with suited men that would undermine my decisions based on my age and gender. However, over time I believe my work has spoken for itself and today our lead management teams have equal representation and my first company Svatantra is flourishing as the youngest and fastest growing player in the industry closing the year at a gross lending portfolio of a billion dollars,” she says.
In fact, her company got awarded the Great Places to Work, two years in a row. “It made me proud knowing that I have been successful in eliminating certain biases in workspaces that I lead,” she beams.
Having been in the music industry for a while now, Ananya agrees women still lack representation. “Whilst there is a long way to go, I do believe we have made strides in the right direction. Earlier, women were part of teams to complete the ‘inclusivity’ aspect. Today, women are part of teams because everyone sees the value they bring to the table. We have some incredibly talented women that bring a very refreshing perspective to the fore,” she says.
Recalling the prejudices she has faced over the years, Ananya shares, “People told me songs in English won’t work in India. They told me 17 is no age to start a finance company. People still tell me how to dress, pose, talk, work, when to marry and what to prioritise. Had Katherine Switzer given up on the Boston marathon despite being attacked for participating in what was then in 1967 a man-only event; or Cdr Prasanna chose to follow years of Defense protocols and process over addressing an inequality in the Indian navy so that the future generation of girls could consider it a viable career option – we’d have a slightly different world. I would say be yourself, unabashedly be who you are. And on that journey if you happen to be a pathbreaker, and break society’s rules, then so be it, if not, so be it. You would have lived the life that you are proud of. If that is what society puts on a pedestal, then that’s what it is. If that’s what society looks down upon, then that’s what it is. At the end of the day your own happiness, your own peace of mind is what matters most.”
Asked how fellow musicians can work towards the cause of empowering women and making their voice heard, she says, “I believe musicians should be empowering one another, regardless of gender. There’s no doubt competition in the industry exists, but by giving a shout out to one another, or collaborating, we can all grow! Having said that, you will be seeing more from me in this space to help close the gap between genders in music.”
Ananya recently associated with #HERmusic campaign by IPRS, Dolby Laboratories, and Hungama Artist Aloud that aims to generate awareness about the growing opportunities for female artistes. Speaking about the same, she adds, “Conversations like these and the impact they have are priceless and intangible. Kudos to IPRS for taking steps to empower, celebrate and encourage women in music. It was much needed and it is much appreciated.”