Leading the Change: Inside the Women-Led vivo Service Center of Behala, Kolkata

Nandita Sarkar, the service center incharge, has been working there for over two years, and she shared with us her experience of working at the center. “For us, low acceptance is nothing new. In a world where leadership is often equated with masculinity, I had to fight twice as hard to be taken seriously.” she reflects. But with support from vivo India, Nandita feels proud. She says customers are not just surprised but impressed to see a woman incharge. Being the sole breadwinner for her family, she’s proving that women can lead just as well as men.

Suparna Saha, the receptionist, radiates happiness as she talks about her journey. “Winning the Best Receptionist Award was such a highlight for me! It showed how dedication and hard work pay off. Customers often express surprise at seeing women managing the service center. But once they see how smoothly everything runs, their doubts disappear. It’s like they realize, ‘Hey, women can handle this just as well!’ And for me, it’s not just about proving a point; it’s about showing the world what we women are capable of in today’s world. It’s exciting to be part of that change.”

Mousumi Guha, working as an engineer at this woman-only service center, shares that everyone working there feel empowered to challenge stereotypes and excel in their roles. “We faced challenges initially when customers questioned if a woman could effectively repair their handsets. But with every successful repair, doubts turned into admiration and satisfaction.” Mousumi takes pride in working at a service center led, managed, and run entirely by women. Highlighting the service center as a shining example of women excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field and inspiring a new generation of female technicians she said, “Every woman can achieve whatever she wants.”

Sanchita Ghosh, originating from Kolkata, another receptionist at the service center says, “Working here has been truly empowering. The supportive atmosphere and guidance from my colleagues have helped me grow both personally and professionally. What sets vivo apart is its genuine focus on employee development and well-being, not just customer satisfaction. Representing the vivo brand fills me with pride, knowing that I am contributing to a company that prioritizes women’s empowerment and support. Every day, I am motivated to excel, thanks to the nurturing environment and opportunities for growth.”

Prerana Roy is an engineer who loves fixing phones. She believes in setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Sharing challenges in her journey, she says, “There are those who question our abilities, doubting whether a group of women can handle this work.” she explains. “But we confidently assure them that not only are we capable, but we are also setting new standards.” Prerana’s determination extends beyond the service center; she actively encourages others, assisting friends, family, and even acquaintances with device repairs, serving as a testament to the capabilities of women in this field.

In a world where gender stereotypes still linger, vivo’s service centre stands as a hope, proving that women are more than capable in the tech industry. As Nandita, Prerana, Suparna, Mousumi, Sanchita, and their colleagues continue to break barriers and inspire others, they embody the essence of women’s empowerment. With each phone repaired, they not only mend devices but also mend perceptions, proving that talent knows no gender. Together, they weave a narrative of progress and inclusivity, forging a brighter future for generations to come.