Gan Pooi Chan recalls being asked to sit at the end of the table while on a business trip to Japan 15 years ago because she was a woman. No eyes bated her way, which could be a sign of gender discrimination.
She was also frowned upon for being a woman in a male-dominated industry at one point.
“He said that because I am a woman, I do not have any car knowledge, hence, he does not trust me with his business.”
As she acknowledged the statement, Gan said that she was there to offer her advertising experience and data on how to sell a car.
“It is not about fighting that battle head on. Rather, it is about choosing the right words to convey your message. That day, I felt I had earned his respect,” Gan said proudly.
Addressing gender discrimination
With the arrival of March, it is once again the time of year to recognise the outstanding women in our lives and around us. As this year’s theme is “Embrace Equity,” the slogan aims to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to achieve gender parity.
Gan sees the annual celebration as an opportunity to speak up more, to advocate for what we believe in, and to give women a pat on the back and say, “At least we have made some impact for today’s generation and future generations.”
Further elaborating, the personal care solution, ‘Homage’ Country Manager said that without Yasmin Ahmad, today’s generation would believe that movie production is a man’s job.
Without Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and YB Hannah Yeoh, women would not have believed that there is a place for them in parliament. Not to be forgotten is the international activist Malala Yousafzai, without whom women would not be aware of the power of our voices and how they can impact not only our towns but also our entire country.
Women empowerment within the community
The annotation of females as only being limited at home is an unpopular opinion these days. More women are becoming aware of their power and voice, as well as how to merge their capabilities in order to be empowered.
Gan added that, in contrast to their male counterparts, women are more accustomed to being told how to behave. However, she believes that women are no longer in the generation where speaking loudly was considered disrespectful.
“There will be no breakthroughs or revelations if we are confined to what society wants us to be. That is why I believe it all begins with one voice,” she added.
Gan often observes women being critical of themselves.
“They have the impression that they are never enough, whether at home or at work,” she said, adding that women are taught from a young age to put their best foot forward.
“We need to give ourselves more credit; perhaps our best effort is already world-class, but we doubt ourselves.”
Gan recalled being nervous at a conference until a lady audience member told her, “I can’t wait to hear you speak,” and how those words boosted her confidence.
Nobody can change you except yourself, as the saying goes. To Gan, if we are constantly blaming the environment, what then is the purpose?
“Despite the fact that we know deep down inside what is wrong and what is right, do we sit back and wait for someone else to do the work, or do we have the courage to stand up? Women’s independence begins within.”
Handling Homage as a female boss
As a manager for countless employees — care professionals under Homage Care Centre — Gan ensures that both male and female employees are well taken care of equally.
Working in the medical field, caring for patients and the elderly, she believed that ‘caring’ is not just a woman’s job. That is especially true in workplaces, where both genders bring positive values and contributions.
“If time off is required for expecting employees, it will be granted without question. Time off for child care or other family obligations is also freely provided for parents, whether men or women,” she said.
Gan also ensures that the workplace is a safe environment for women to work in. With the recent implementation of some sexual harassment policies by the government, she also strives to provide equal opportunity for women at work. She believes it is important as it can provide fair inclusivity regardless of gender.
