After a long 48 hours, we finally made it to our final destination: the Hanifl Center. The plane ride here was not too bad as I got three seats to sleep on, so that made it bearable. Then after we got off the plane, we all met up and got on a bus to stay at the YWCA to get some rest. Think of it like a hostile mixed with a bed and breakfast; it was cute. After breakfast today, we got back in the van for a day’s long journey of driving up to Mussoorie and the Hanifl Center. I really enjoyed seeing the character of India but, it also made me sad at times. There was defiantly a decent bit of communities that were poor and it at times was hard to see; I felt ignorant. Other interesting things I observed were:

• The driving was also “organized chaos” and scary.
• I broke necks everywhere we stopped; this was because I am not just white but extremely pale.
• There are so many people in India. It does not matter how big or small a city is…there is simply people everywhere you go.
• The food is so good, but I have to be careful because I cannot handle spice.

Although it was a lot of observing through a bus window, I am both mentally and physically exhausted; I even went to bed unintentionally at 6pm. With that being said, I am definitely excited to be here and ready to learn, grow, and have some fun!

As we were driving here, we were fortunate to observe a bunch of cities and towns along the way. It started to make me wonder about the culture norms in India and the challenges that followed learning and practicing leadership. As a female, I defiantly anticipate there being some problems. As a woman who values and practices assertiveness in leadership, I anticipate encountering cultural norms that may challenge the traditional gender roles and expectations. In many societies, including some regions of India, there are entrenched beliefs about gender roles and behaviors, which can often discourage women from being assertive or taking on leadership roles or make it impossible to obtain one.

Confidence, especially when exhibited by women, may be perceived as aggressive or confrontational in cultures where women are expected to be passive or accommodating. This can create tensions or resistance when attempting to assert oneself in leadership positions or assertively communicate one’s ideas and decisions. It is also a possibility, mainly for others around the country, to run into societal biases or stereotypes that undermine the credibility and authority of assertive women, leading to skepticism or resistance from peers, subordinates, or superiors. Overcoming these biases and earning respect as a competent and capable leader may require navigating additional hurdles compared to male counterparts.

However, despite these challenges, I also have hope that embracing assertiveness as a woman in leadership can also be a powerful tool for driving change and breaking down gender barriers. By confidently asserting oneself, challenging stereotypes, and demonstrating competence and professionalism, women can pave the way for greater gender equality and representation in leadership roles and I hope that begins to happen across all cultures and in all places.

While on the topic of leadership, a question I often get is “Are leaders born or made” and I think the answer is simple. While some may have natural leadership traits, true leadership is primarily developed through experience, learning, and personal growth. It is not just about charisma or confidence but about a willingness to adapt and cultivate skills. Different situations require different leadership styles, and effective leaders can adjust accordingly. While some individuals may seem to possess a natural aptitude for leadership, I believe that anyone can learn to be a good leader with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Challenges include making tough decisions, building trust, and navigating adversity, but the rewards of positively impacting others make it worthwhile and a true leader knows that.

With all things considered, I am extremely excited to be here and ready to take on Mussoorie with the rest of my group. So, talk soon and see you next time!

Kat Listwak