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Breaking Barriers | Babli Kumari

from Frames Department and
Sasmita Patra from Quality
Assurance Team

The manufacturing sector has traditionally excluded women because of various

stereotypes some of which continue to prevail today. In this episode, we talk to
Babli Kumari and Sasmita Patra about their journey and how things are slowly
changing for the better.
Babli Kumari, an enthusiastic young professional in her twenties, works as a
fitter in our Frames department. She joined Lenskart two years ago when she
moved from Bihar to Delhi in search of work opportunities. Talking about the
jobs for women in the manufacturing sector, she says that there are many areas
of improvement, which can be worked upon to invite more participation.
According to her, the most fascinating thing about her journey at Lenskart is the
number of new product-led projects that she gets to be a part of.
“The kind of launch rate we have keeps things exciting as we get to provide
customers with a wide range, know what’s trending and see how the brand
molds itself around it,” she says.
Kumari, who had to leave school early owing to unfortunate circumstances at
home, was doubtful of finding a promising job opportunity in Delhi. “This is
my first job and will always be special because I got the chance to start at
such a great place. I could overcome my inhibitions, and always felt invited to
discussions. I feel encouraged to exchange ideas and work with the team
towards our goals.”
Sasmita Patra joined Lenskart two years ago. Prior to Lenskart, she was
working in the automotive sector. She recently got promoted to (insert position)
and is currently working in the Quality Assurance Team. This is a leap for her
from the ‘Lens Fitting Department’, and she is thoroughly enjoying the new
facets of this role. On a lighter note, she says, “Having spent so much time
here, I am now the go-to person for all of my network when it comes to
choosing eyewear. Being a LensTribe member surely comes with its own set
of advantages.”
When she first joined Lenskart, she recalls that the number of women was much
lesser at the warehouse.
“Although it was a little bit of an adjustment, I didn’t mind it at all because I
was welcomed everywhere and got an opportunity to prove myself. The way we
work in general is more capability driven so if you are competent, your gender
will not stop you from progressing inside the organization.”
Sasmita mentions that Lenskart’s flexibility is something she has never seen
before in her career, and has encouraged more women to join the organization.
Seeing the increase in representation, her commitment to gender equality has
become stronger over the last 2 years.
“As an organization, we are working towards creating a platform for
showcasing women with talent and potential in this sector. With dependable
allies, we can soon get rid of the stereotypes that have stopped women from
foraying into manufacturing so far,” she says.
Despite the challenges, there is a smorgasbord of opportunities waiting to be
explored by women, both at an executive and a leadership level. Organizations
need to become change-makers and take initiatives towards overall inclusivity.
At Lenskart, it is our ongoing endeavor to bring more women in the work realm
and nurture their growth journeys. We truly believe that an inclusive world is a
better world that can #DoMoreBeMore together!

When she first joined Lenskart, she recalls that the number of women was much lesser at the
warehouse.

“Although it was a little bit of an adjustment, I didn’t mind it at all because I was welcomed
everywhere and got an opportunity to prove myself. The way we work in general is more capability
driven so if you are competent, your gender will not stop you from progressing inside the
organization.”

With dependable allies, we can soon get rid of the stereotypes that have stopped women from
foraying into manufacturing so far,” she says.