In celebration of International Women’s Day, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sudha Anand, the Director of BKS Textiles. With a rich background in the textile industry and a passion for empowering women, Dr. Sudha shares her professional journey, insights into the evolving textile industry, and her vision for gender diversity in leadership roles.
Dr. Sudha’s journey into the textile sector was deeply influenced by her family’s business legacy. Despite initially pursuing a career in medicine, her heart drew her back to entrepreneurship, leading her to join the family business in 2007. Inspired by her father’s passion for textiles, Dr. Sudha embraced her role as Director, guided by his mentorship and vision.
Established in 1985, BKS Textiles is a renowned manufacturer and exporter of woven fabrics, institutional linens, and home textiles. With a strong presence in global markets such as the USA, UK, EU, UAE, and Australia, the company has expanded its focus to include sustainable home textiles through its subsidiary, Greenhome Furnishings.
Pride in Gender Diversity
Dr. Sudha takes immense pride in fostering gender diversity within BKS Textiles and Greenhome. With over 65% women employees, the company is committed to increasing this ratio to 80% in the next two years. This dedication to gender inclusivity reflects Dr. Sudha’s belief in the importance of empowering women in the workforce.
Embracing innovation and sustainability is at the core of Dr. Sudha’s leadership. She views sustainability and traceability as key drivers of innovation in the textile industry. Through Greenhome Furnishings, the company focuses exclusively on sustainable home textiles under the brand name Ekoscious, offering eco-friendly solutions to consumers.
Gender Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Sudha observes a positive shift in gender diversity within the textile industry, with more women pursuing careers in textiles. She believes that textiles offer a promising career path for women, especially in fields like fashion and design. The industry is evolving to be more women-friendly, fostering recognition and opportunities for women leaders.
As a woman leader, Dr. Sudha acknowledges facing challenges in her leadership journey, particularly in managing people during her initial years. However, she emphasizes that effective leadership transcends gender stereotypes, focusing instead on skills and capabilities honed over time.
Dr. Sudha’s advice to young women aspiring to leadership roles is to prioritize leadership development. She encourages investing time, effort, and resources in acquiring leadership skills, seeking mentorship, and gaining firsthand experience in organizations with women leaders.
Inclusivity and Equality
BKS Textiles promotes inclusivity and equality through skill development programs for unskilled workers, particularly women. The company has trained over 300 women in tailoring, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and empowerment.
Women leaders, Dr. Sudha believes, play a pivotal role in the success of the textile industry. With textiles being a significant employment provider in India, women leaders like Ms. Sudha contribute to the industry’s growth and foster gender diversity in the workforce.
Continuous learning and mentorship are essential for personal and professional growth, according to Dr. Sudha. She stays informed about industry trends through various publications and relies on mentors for guidance in marketing, leadership, and operations.
Future Vision for Women in Leadership
On International Women’s Day, Dr. Sudha encourages women in textiles to focus on acquiring the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude for achieving their goals. She emphasizes the importance of process-driven growth and calls for sustained efforts beyond this day to support women in leadership roles.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sudha envisions a future where women in leadership roles in textiles continue to thrive. She believes that with the right preparation, mindset, and support, women can achieve great heights in any industry, emphasizing the need for ongoing commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
