The Shadows That Held Me: A Women’s Day Love Letter to the Men in My Life

Women’s Day: Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the pillars that have held me steady—the men who’ve shaped me with quiet strength and unwavering belief, and the women who’ve lit my path with fire and grace.

This isn’t just a tribute to femininity; it’s a recognition of balance.

I’ve come to see that my journey thrives not in isolation, but in the presence of the right men who lift me up, alongside the women who inspire me to soar.

This Women’s Day, I took a chance to share a story of diverse mentorship, where both the masculine and feminine perspectives played crucial roles in my development and why it’s a harmony worth celebrating.

My upbringing was a blend of influences. My mother instilled the importance of presentation and poise, and it was my father molding me into a scholar when I didn’t yet know my own potential. While women fought for equality, he didn’t promise me a perfect world. “The world needs nurturing, care, listeners,” he’d say, his voice a steady anchor. I’ll never forget the day he sat me beside him at work—not as his daughter, but as his equal, trusting me to bring value. He taught me to fight with conviction, to stand tall yet stay humble, to earn only to give back. Without his belief, I’d be a shadow of who I am.

My brother, my first mentor, emphasized rational thinking, financial literacy, and the value of diverse perspectives. He taught me to approach challenges with logic and to understand the importance of lifelong learning.

These men weren’t just figures in my life—they were the roots that kept me steady, proving that a woman’s strength often begins with the right men holding space for her to grow.

Then came the women who redefined leadership for me. My first manager at a PR firm shattered the glass ceiling in my mind. She showed me that intelligence and conviction silence any doubts, regardless of gender. She taught me to be a problem-solver, a leader who empowers.

A senior colleague at another agency, a beacon of empathetic leadership, taught me that kindness is not a weakness, but a superpower. She showed me that true strength lies in listening, in understanding, and in empowering others.

As I approach 30, I continue to learn and evolve. Just when I thought I had grasped enough, life introduced me to Micro Mitti. Under the mentorship of my current mentor, he taught me that patience is rare—not everyone can afford it, and fewer possess it. He emphasized that greatness lies in humility and that nothing can replace the power of unwavering hard work.

This balance also reflected in my work life carried me into a decade of PR, where I’ve straddled two distinct arenas. I started in Mumbai’s high-stakes financial sector—fast, fierce, unrelenting. Then I shifted gears, managing my hometown school for two years—a slower, community-driven role—before stepping into my current position at Micro Mitti. These experiences have taught me that embracing femininity in leadership is not just about striving for equality; it’s about valuing the unique strengths women bring to the table.

This Women’s Day, I’m not just celebrating women—though we’re vital, fierce, and irreplaceable. I’m celebrating the balance that got me here. We need women’s empathy, intuition, and resilience, yes—but we also need men’s perspective, partnership, and strength.

By Gitanjali Sirwal, PR & Communications Head, Micro Mitti

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