Our small meeting with Jaipur’s Yasmeen Siddique over a cup of hot coffee at the Indian Coffee House was enriching. She is a journalist who is currently working with Dainik Bhaskar. Today, she shares with us her inspiring journey along with some useful tips for women in media.

Education & Early Grounding.

Mine is a very religious family. My father passed away when my brother and I were small. Our mother took everything onto her shoulders, decided not to remarry, and thereby became the sole earner of our family. Seeing all this only made us stronger and independent.

My parents have always given importance to education, irrespective of their kids’ gender. Hence, completing the education and then pursuing a valuable job was always on my cards.

I graduated from the Maharani College, Jaipur where my seniors would tell me that I have got a knack for writing. That time, I used to write for college magazines. I tried to join one of the leading publishing houses of Rajasthan, and fortunately got placed. Since then, there has been no turning back.

My Attitude Towards Work.

I don’t behave like a ‘woman’ at the workplace. I am a professional, and I try to act like one. I don’t believe that a man should behave like a ‘man’, and a woman must act like a ‘woman.’ Rather, behave the way you should be behaving for that particular job-type.

Thanks to this kind of attitude, I have never faced any stereotype or work harassment.

Why I don’t Wear Hijab At Work.

I have always been wearing salwar-kameez without any hijab, and I don’t consider it wrong. People tell me that being a Muslim I should cover my head, but then it’s one’s choice. In future, probably, I picture myself wearing one because I love and respect my culture. But for now, it’s alright. I want to tell people to stop reacting already.

Story I am Proud Of.

During 2008 Jaipur bomb blast, I remember doing stories that required me going to the homes of vendors and shop owners who lost everything in the explosion. I also met the families of deceased ones. Since I was new, I was a bit nervous. It was my idea to cover these stories so that people could see how that unfortunate act had destroyed the livelihood of Japurites.

Dream Story.

I want to meet and write a story of the legendary Dilip Kumar.

Advice For Women Who Choose Journalism.

Don’t join a media house just because you want to meet a celebrity. Shockingly, people do that. In this way, you can never deliver the best because then your vision becomes different from that of the company’s. Second, make wise friendships.

Photographer – Nupur Agarwal