International Women’s Day Special Feature/ Interview Series
Name: Olenka Dilip
Age: 39
City: New Delhi
Occupation: Partner –
Junuka Jewels LLP
Junuka Jewels LLP
ST: Please tell us briefly about you.
Olenka: The entrepreneurship journey started 3 years
back in the year 2015. I was working in the financial sector for more than 9
years and thought of taking a hiatus after my daughter was born. But there was
a constant push from the inner self to do something and be independent like
before and simultaneously my kid should also not be overlooked. This is all how
Junuka Jewels was first formed.
back in the year 2015. I was working in the financial sector for more than 9
years and thought of taking a hiatus after my daughter was born. But there was
a constant push from the inner self to do something and be independent like
before and simultaneously my kid should also not be overlooked. This is all how
Junuka Jewels was first formed.
ST: Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?
Olenka: My mother is my pillar of strength. She is the biggest
inspiration in my life. I have seen her face a lot of hardships in making a
perfect balance between her professional & personal life with ease and
composure.
inspiration in my life. I have seen her face a lot of hardships in making a
perfect balance between her professional & personal life with ease and
composure.
ST: How are you celebrating this year’s International Women’s
Day?
Day?
Olenka: It will be just like any other normal day. Though International
Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8th March every year but every
single day is important without a woman and should be marked and her
achievements should be recognised.
Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8th March every year but every
single day is important without a woman and should be marked and her
achievements should be recognised.
ST: What is the most important message you want to send out to
all the women around the world on this occasion?
all the women around the world on this occasion?
Olenka: In this modern arena, where it is
believed to be said that men and women are equal, my message to all the women
folks is that – Take the world in your stride with grace, warmth, confidence
and a smile. No looking back. A woman is
the symbol of beauty, intuition and care. Be strong and brave and chase your
dreams.
believed to be said that men and women are equal, my message to all the women
folks is that – Take the world in your stride with grace, warmth, confidence
and a smile. No looking back. A woman is
the symbol of beauty, intuition and care. Be strong and brave and chase your
dreams.
ST:
What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?
What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?
Olenka: Women Empowerment should begin at
home. Women Empowerment not only means creating an environment where they can
make decisions on their own but also to live freely with a sense of
self-esteem, respect, dignity, safe and comfortable work place, gender equality,
have a voice of their own so that the overall society is developed.
home. Women Empowerment not only means creating an environment where they can
make decisions on their own but also to live freely with a sense of
self-esteem, respect, dignity, safe and comfortable work place, gender equality,
have a voice of their own so that the overall society is developed.
ST: What would you say are the main challenges facing women at
present in India?
present in India?
Olenka: The main challenge that women in India are facing is
security, safety measures and of physical well-being. Brutal crimes against
women are increasing enormously. We talk of gender equality, Respect &
dignity towards women, safe and secured working environment, stop
discrimination and domestic violence but on the other hand, safety and security
has become the utmost priority or responsibility.
security, safety measures and of physical well-being. Brutal crimes against
women are increasing enormously. We talk of gender equality, Respect &
dignity towards women, safe and secured working environment, stop
discrimination and domestic violence but on the other hand, safety and security
has become the utmost priority or responsibility.
ST: Where do you want to see yourself in next 5 years?
Olenka: Over the next 5 years, Junuka Jewels would do its own
branding and marketing. We also have a plan to diversify our jewellery business
into accessories which is going to take off very soon.
branding and marketing. We also have a plan to diversify our jewellery business
into accessories which is going to take off very soon.
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Olenka Dilip, Partner – Junuka Jewels LLP |