Cover Story

Carving way out of adversary: Dr. Amita Singh

Standing Strong and Proud with Unfettered Imagination and Individualism

The civil engineering industry is growing at a fast pace today. Women in construction are breaking ground in a male-dominated industry. By 2022, it is expected that women will make up 46.8% of the construction industry, as research findings.

Construction, civil engineering in specific, has always been a male-driven field. It is still predominantly male, but it has come a long way in terms of diversity, including other minorities. It is starting to change. The participation or presence of a Women Leads Engineer’s or key person in this field is still a rare sight in India. On this International Women’s Day, we take a moment to dig into Dr Amita Singh’s experience.

In recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, and this year’s theme considers, we are featuring stories from our leaders, describing their own bold moments about workplace equality and honouring diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Amita Singh, a Health Safety and Environment Specialist professional, presently working as HSE Engineer/Manager at CDMSMITH Qatar, is a lady who paved her way out of adversaries, faced the challenges of a male-dominated sector but never forgot to chase the field of her choice and profession of her dreams. She is definitely a source of inspiration to several ladies who hold the ambition of doing something which is not a stereotype, new and challenging.

“As she defines her current, our company promotes equal opportunities for both men and women because we recognize that it doesn’t matter about the gender of a person, as long as they can provide the key skills and experience necessary to benefit our company and our clients in terms of innovation, broadening our approach and strengthening ourselves within the industry. We are stronger with a diverse team and our successes, year-on-year, as we’ve increasingly diversified our teams and brought more women into the industry, shows that.”

Parting a govt. sector and opting for a Private job was never so easy. But Dr. Singh made it happen. She undoubtedly is a source of inspiration to millions of women like her who dare to dream but forget to chase simply because her dreams deny society’s parameter, the parameters that states a woman, the task which should or should not be done.

She likes the passion for society’s challenges, whether a specific task conforms with so-called womanhood or not and has done it for several years. On a general note, if we talk of Indian society, a woman’s task ought to be soft, requiring less physical effort, easy or comfortable. Dr. Singh broke the myth, and she

Dr. Amita Singh

Health Safety and Environment Specialist

denies the boundary set by the society to let decide a lady human choose her profession, by passion-hobby, and source of her livelihood. But, most importantly, despite all adversary’s Dr. Amita Singh comes out outshining, triumphant and victorious.

Metro Rail News salutes Dr Amita Singh for her attitude, extraordinary zeal and efforts. Her no. of achievements has been par beyond excellence. Rendering her services on a number of important positions and responsibilities, Dr. Singh in a true

sense symbolizes the word ‘Super remarkable women’.

Metro Rail News identifies her as a personality who motivates a number of like-minded females like her and sets up herself as an epitome figure who sets an example, especially for girls who want to make a career in civil engineering or the construction technology industry.

Dr. Singh can be one of the prominent ladies in the country who have made a significant contribution to women empowerment in India. Her efforts towards pioneering women’s effort in the technical field, especially metros, are noteworthy.

Acknowledging her contribution to society in an innovative and somewhat inspirational way, the magazine took the opportunity and talked to her on the occasion of International Women’s Day to know her views on various issues relating to women empowerment, women participating in technical or innovative field in the country.

Metro Rail News continues its legacy of bringing to its readers the most recent update, news and event relating to development of Metro services in India. This edition is dedicated to women power who have made a significant contribution to the growth and development of metro services in the country with “Choose to Challenge”, representing everyone’s role in recognizing women’s achievements while supporting those who are challenged by stereotypes and bias.

Dr. Amita Singh needs no introduction. Her contribution to the field of Civil Construction and Metro network development is well known. Presently working as Lead Environmental, Health and Safety Specialist, she has a total experience of 19 yrs in multiple fields in construction and research.

Below is the excerpt of interaction with Dr Singh with the Metro Rail News team where she expressed her views lucidly on various issues relating to women empowerment in India. Here are edited excerpts:

Q. How come choose a field like civil engineering and that too construction which usually demands extreme field visit, a strong physical health, precisely to say a sector which is mostly men driven?

Ans: I was in the beginning working in a research field at Lucknow. After marriage, I had to relocate with my husband to a new city, leaving my work and joining a new role in the private sector. It was a tough time those days. But I joined a construction company, worked for it and worked in the Health Safety and Environment department. It was a bit challenging initially, but the situation improved gradually. In fact, I started enjoying my work with passion. Then I was progressively considered for a senior position and led few projects. So, I would say that there is a biological difference between a male and a female. Still, it is also true that whichever field is chosen and whosoever chooses it, be it a male or female, and it is just a matter of time when one gets accustomed to one’s job role. But definitely, the person must have an interest in that field. This certainly is required. So, in my opinion, there is no sector today which can be said to be men driven. Construction or civil engineering is the same way. Because usually, we see little or no effort in this field, women are making a career effort; it is generally said to be a man driven field. You see the defence sector. We have women fighter pilots now. So, judging any field without women’s participation or competition and stating it to be male-driven, male-dominated, I think it is not justifiable. If you take my opinion, any field today is safe for a female in the same way as any indoor assignment or job role is considered for her.

Q. Most ladies prefer to be an architect, interior designer, web designer etc. Do you think it is the fear of society that compels her to think so?

Ans: Ya, to some extent definitely. Society is what. Society is

nothing but you and me. All the job role you mentioned in your question are basically 10 – 05 office or sitting jobs. Does not require too much field visits. There are so many things today that compels a young lady to decide for her life and future. It’s all societal—the situation around you. You see, the condition or situation of women in terms of liberty is much better in metros compared to what it is in smaller cities. The reason simply is the societal thought, the opportunities, development, initiatives taken. So, altogether a no. of reasons become the “ You and me “ who make a society. The construction industry makes civil works more suitable for male employee and workers, but that doesn’t mean a woman can not do it. As I already said, for one to accomplish any task, one should have a definite interest attitude in it.

Q. What is your opinion about the current socio-economic condition in India in terms of women upliftment and empowerment. What changes would you like to bring if given an opportunity?

Ans: Women empowerment has always been a topic of concern in India. Things are changing. There was a time when women in the economy, women in employment, women in finance, construction etc., were not seen as macro-critical. That’s no longer the case. The economic impact of achieving gender equality in India is estimated to be US$700 billion of added GDP by 2025. Social enterprise, which promises both economic empowerment and social transformation, is driving tremendous positive change in India’s lives. But it is also at the heart of a growing debate about India’s social sector’s past and future.

But still required more scrutinize, it hasn’t been focused that much as it is done now for the last few years until few decades back. Jan Dhan Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi, Beti Padhao Beti Bachao, Jananni Surkasha Yojna, PM-JAY, Ujjwala Sukhad Matritva Yojna etc., seeks to empower women and a no. of other flagship program reflect the government’s commitment to uplift women’s condition in India. But still, you see the cases for women violations in the news. So, there’s still a lot to do improvise. The legal frame system needs to be strengthened. Most influential people need to change their behaviours psychology towards fair respect gender. Hence, an honest approach should be made towards it. The effort in this regard should be made at a very early age. So, we can have a better society then.

Q. So, do you want to say that we need to bring change in our educational system?

Ans: Only bringing about a change in the education system or levying it at the school’s shoulders won’t change. It is us who need to make a change. While bringing up our children, we must first make culture and ensure no difference from our side between a male and female child. We need to improve our homes first. Maintain a free environment there first, engage our kids in making our home a Bias-Free Zone. This is a key part of the responsibility, moral parenting. Develop tolerance and mutual respect in kids first, then we shall see a better society or a women-friendly society.

Q. Have you ever been in a situation that made you think that ‘women’ and ‘power’ are two incompatible concepts?

Ans: No, never! Supportive and admirable people have always surrounded me, and I see myself more as a woman of strength,

Q. Is there are any Women whom you feel very much inspired from?

Ans-On a personal note I admire, respect my mother, who gave me culture believes and positivity; it’s important to stay true to my belief in equal opportunity and speak up and focus on doing the right things; let the efforts and results speak for themselves – ultimately it is about a person’s capability, not the gender!

There’s a no. of Women’s who I have had always taken inspiration from mentors, including men!

The no. of them have been my co-workers, seniors, specially in Metro and construction, research area, and.

I always praise and like very much the simple way of late Sushma Swaraj ji, a beautiful, strong woman who’s both a

mother and a wife. When spoke, the world listened. Mrs. Nirmala Sitharamanji, very inspirational, the way she is holding and managing important portfolios. Truly, that’s the real power of a woman in action.

And Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi also had been a very stout personality for me, as without a doubt, through her dignity, power, and morality, she embodies a wonderful notion of female power. And balance work and family.

Smt. Pratibha Devi Patil, the first women president of India, is also an inspirational figure for many women worldwide. The way she represented, the poise and dignity carried along as the first citizen of the country and, more importantly, as a woman is worth something to learn from.

In fact, I have always taken inspiration from a no. of women achiever all over, especially my country, who help me keep my morale high, seeing and acknowledging their success in whichever field they are. I always have high and deep regards for them. I have high respect for Late Dr. APJ Kalam. He inspired others in many ways with a humble attitude, a dreamer first, leader and scientist, politician, and teacher.

Q. How do you see Metro Rail development in India.?

Ans: Truly impressive vision goal archive of a “cleaner, greener, safer and healthier system.” It’s been a praiseworthy journey so far. The present government is maintaining a good pace for development of metro rail network in India. By 2025 we expect the metro to run in 25 Indian cities with a total metro rail network of 1700 kms. If achieved, that would be a big feat, and seeing the way the metro project is going in India does not seem very difficult.

Q. What is your opinion about metro and women empowerment? Do you see any correlation between them?

Ans: Metro has given a safer culture, especially to women commuters. Metro certainly has added to the safety and easy commuting of women in suburban and busy areas. Women feel safe in metros, have an easy and swift accessibility to their destination. A safe and comfortable transport system in urban cities helps develop the right sense of security in travelers, passengers, and the general public. If a woman cannot feel safe for her basic necessities, she cannot be empowered. The other areas definitely can be women police personnel, female staff and support staff helping in metro run be ticketing, metro run, food and hospitality in the metro station area. There are so many examples that can attribute to or reflect towards women empowerment connected to the metro. Every person deserves to live a healthy, productive and safe life. The challenge, of course, is how to do that in a meaningful and high-impact positive way culture.

Q. What had been the greatest challenges in your professional career?

Ans. Overcoming my fear. The initial days were difficult for me. Start years were not comfortable. But, I remained focused on my work, set my target, and continuously worked for it. Another difficult time was when my baby was born. Rest I’ve always been

surrounded by supportive and admirable people. But even though I feel required some strict culture improvement for women welfare facility at the construction site.

Q. Would you like to say something about your achievements during your journey as a challenge and succeeds?

Ans: Not exactly, I think. There’s still a lot to learn. Every position and every opportunity gives you a space to learn and improve your skills. But, Ya, I would definitely say that by the blessings of almighty, my parents and my family, I have appreciated exceeding and thriving to notable achieved safe man-hours for various projects worked for. Few projects led have been recognized for best practices world-wide. I have also been fortunate to work for Delhi & Lukhnow Metro in the construction phase. Altogether, the journey is continuing, and I’m pretty much satisfied with it.

Q. How has been your family. Did your family members support you? How much marks will you give yourself for being able to maintain the balance between your personal and professional life?

Ans: Regarding marks (laughing), for that, you’ll have to ask my husband and family members. I had great support from my husband and parents’ terrific sponsors who helped me believe, Jump into to mentoring; it’s about helping girls see the possibilities. But, I’ll definitely say that your professional life cannot be said to be successful until you have a happy and successful personal life. I had always been focused about it and prioritized my job and responsibilities. Here I would say that for a working woman maintaining a balance between her personal and professional life is a bit more difficult compared to her male counterpart as women tend to be in dual charge. A homemaker as well as a working professional. (Laughing) So, I think male does have a privilege on this part sometime. But, surely on a personal note, I would like to convey to all our brave women’s hoping to build a very successful career and, more importantly, in a new field that they should definitely learn to balance their personal and professional lives. I think sometimes it takes a while for women to develop this. Like many people, I have children, and balancing family and work commitments is something that I’ve always borne in mind. I speak openly about my family commitments because it is important to recognize that we all have a life beyond work.

Proper time management, setting priorities are some of the qualities one should learn to develop. Additionally, I would say myself to be lucky to have a very understanding and supportive family. Whatever I have achieved, I would definitely say it to be because of my family.

Q. What would be your message to readers?

Ans: (especially to my women readers) Be focused, dedicated and hard-working. Never underestimate yourself and believe in your strengths. Early alertness and focus shall definitely help you achieve your dreams you have always looked for.

Q. On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

Ans: Be wise and humble. Success takes time, effort, and patience. If you’re willing to work hard and get out of your comfort zone, you will succeed regardless of your gender. In the end, it all comes down to how dedicated you are to what you do. No matter the gender, age, religion, or background, the industry will grow as long as there is motivation. All-in-all, there has never been a better time to be a woman in the construction world! Stay Safe and Healthy and grow in this beautiful world with a sense of responsibility and prosperity!!