Meet Our GEMS: N.Shekar

Saying NO to Gender Violence

by Meera Srikant

Shekar brings more than 30 years of global experience as a veteran software industry executive with strong background in engineering design, software product development and sales/marketing of products and services to international markets. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Corporate Strategy and also served the role of Managing Director for CDG India – A Boeing Company, after having worked in several leading IT companies.  In 2001, Mr. Shekar also co-founded a successful and the first ever VC funded software product company in India with investment from Softbank Venture Funds. Mr. Shekar is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering from Bangalore University and also holds a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington, TX and a MBA in Marketing from San Jose State University, CA. He shares his concern about gender violence and his reasons for participating in the Prajnya campaign…

Why is this issue important to you?

The society around us is now made up of nuclear families – joint family system is missing – which is probably increasing cause of lack of empathy. The society can benefit from some raised awareness on this issue.

What is it you feel most strongly about?

India was known as a peaceful country – but the increasing level of abusive behaviour against women and girl child is condemnable and we need to educate the young men out there of the need for respect and need to be protective of the women and girl child.

Tell us about your activity for Prajnya campaign and what you hope to do with it?

I would be conducting a one-day community café event at my home with my circle of friends and acquaintances to share the need to spread the awareness within their circle of influence in all walks of their life.

Three things you would suggest to keep these individual actions going.

When you hear abusive language against women/girls, say “STOP”.

When you see unacceptable behaviour against women/girls, be the first to prevent the same. 

Always demonstrate yourself as the best example to follow in dealing with women/girls, so that you have the credibility to do the above.