To be judged by talent and not by chromosomes: Justice Neela Gokhale on Women's Day 2024

Bombay High Court judge Justice Neela Gokhale urged men to be kind, compassionate and mindful of the plight of the women around them who have strived hard to climb professional and personal ladders. .Justice Gokhale said that success of women is a message to the upcoming generation that they will be judged by their talent and ideas and not by their gender. "Most of us women sitting here, are particularly privileged that we have been presented with an opportunity to make the change we want to see about a woman’s life. It matters to the quality of decision-making and to the fabric of our society. It tells to the upcoming generation that they can reach for the top, that hard work pays off, that they will be judged by their ideas, their talent and not by their chromosomes," she said in conclusion.The judge was speaking at an event organised by the Bar Association of the Mumbai City Civil and Sessions Court on March 7 to celebrate International Women's Day. While speaking about the challenges women face, the judge urged men to be more mindful of the struggles faced by their female counterparts. "The society needs to change their mindsets, and challenge them on a wonderful way. This message is not for women sitting out here but for the male counterparts. Be compassionate. Be kind. Understand the plight of these women who have come up the hard way," Justice Gokhale said. .She also urged everyone to question why there are fewer women in professional spaces."When women aren't present, we must ask why not? When women are discriminated against, we must call out the poor practice. When the treatment of women is not equitable, we must take action and we must do this each time and every time," the judge said. .Justice Gokhale also advised women to drop the guilt of trying to be a 'supermom' or a 'perfect wife'."We are so busy being mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, colleagues that the time we spend on ourselves is laced with self-reproach. We feel guilty of wanting a career, of enjoying our work, of not being there. Women are definitely capable of juggling multiple tasks, but perhaps it's time to drop the one of guilt. We are not made of pixie dust, we are humans too," she added.