Gender Disparity
The evolution of the cleaning business in India also witnessed the gender disparity issues narrowing down with women taking up key positions in many fields. It also witnessed women from distraught families taking up cleaning jobs to keep their homes running. This trend, more prominent in South and West India, gave women the opportunity to transcend from a homemaker in a saree to a professional in a uniform.
While most would agree that women are more successful in certain businesses, in the cleaning industry, the issues have not been many in terms of gender disparity.
“Never faced discrimination as woman; the industry have been very supportive,” says Anjana. And every business has trials, be it for women or men.
“I take business challenges positively and see no harm in pitching myself as any other man does,” adds Archana on a positive note. However, considering the Indian cleaning industry, which is much unorganised, the emphasis on discipline in cleaning and getting it across the table itself has been a wearisome endeavour for many. “Yes, it does turn challenging when it comes to dealing with government organisations. Even though I have the licenses in place, records clear and high standards of compliance and regulations maintained, my applications have been extremelydelayed. It was tough-going during the initial set up as I was venturing into a male oriented industry,” says Aditi.
As an official in a passing reference had mentioned, “it gets a bit awkward to do monetary dealings with women”. While this may be true in certain segments, women largely have been successful in bagging good contracts and gender discrimination in such cases have worked to their advantage.
“I wouldn’t say discrimination, but yes, my presence in this field has always been greeted with a surprise in the first instance. Being a chemical engineer and having worked at Reliance Industries Ltd (Operations and Technology), I am always questioned as to why I would leave such a lucrative job to enter a field like this,” says Kaanti.
Highlighting some of the operational problems, Kaanti adds that at times being a woman does involve a lot of resistance from the team below. “In the shop floor people do get defiant when trying to understand their woes and concerns in cleaning. There is scepticism while dealing with vendors too. However, irrespective of gender, as long as you can prove your mettle and let people know that you are serious about your work, it all works out fine.”
In such circumstance, perseverance yields results, adds Aditi. “Since my factory is setup in a village, I faced resistance from all fronts – local politicians, villagers, and police to the gram panchayat. Setting up the factory was a Herculean task; especially as a woman it was difficult to handle everyone in a male oriented field. I faced situations where manoeuvring around with all these people in terms of negotiations, constructing the property, appointing labourers and getting the licences in place. Having said that, gradually we overcame through all these issues.”
Client Experience
Cleanliness, as such is a necessity, but most consider it as an option, except where cleaning is inevitable. “I have found the hospitality sector does have a pro-cleaning approach. A lot of housekeepers are interested in conceptualised cleaning and are always keen to new techniques and products,” opines Anjana.
It would be difficult to say that one segment is more pro-cleaning than the other because everyone wants a clean surrounding. The difference comes in “as they feel that their
budgets can be squeezed on cleaning easily, which makes it almost impossible, for use of skilled manpower, and right tools and chemicals. The localised approach of still cleaning with acids & alkalis, is rather shameful
in the professional area, however it is client driven and the rates allocated,” says Archana.
“Today, with the widespread general awareness, households from humble backgrounds too are understanding the importance of hygiene and cleanliness. In all, it is a procleaning attitude,” adds Aditi.
