We discuss the following topics in this blog:
- How Women are Bringing Down the Patriarchal Shackles?
- STL’s Optical Fibre Colouring Unit in Silvassa.
- How a Women-Centric Environment is Thriving in Silvassa Plant?
In addition to these topics, we shall also be answering the following FAQs:
- What is WiFi?
- What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
Contents
How Women are Bringing Down the Patriarchal Shackles?
Historically, women have always bowed down to the patriarchal system that our society thrives on. Religion forbids entry of women to temples and dargahs, military restricts women from combat duties and politics is still a male stronghold with only a handful of women taking leadership roles. While women might still be a minority in many fields, it was a treat to see a male-dominated profession being run by an all-women’s team. Not a couple of women I say, 103 women to be exact and that too, in a big manufacturing plant.
STL’s Optical Fibre Colouring Unit in Silvassa
No, its not just my imagination. STL’s optical fibre colouring unit in Silvassa is a no man’s land. Women, as young as 20-21, smartly dressed in pants and crisp button down shirts are a part of this automated plant that has broken norms and is setting an irreversible trend.
I met these amazing girls on a routine trip to the factory and I was completely taken aback by their sheer sense of purpose and dedication. Coming from as far as Arunachal Pradesh, they reminded me somewhat of myself in my younger days. Being financially independent was the ultimate goal and just like for these young girls today, nothing seemed impossible.
How a Women-Centric Environment is Thriving in Silvassa Plant?
Getting back to these young ambitious women, this colouring unit is always buzzing with activity. Their job is not limited to routine manufacturing or quality checks but they also receive hands on training in skills as diverse as data gathering, financial planning, self defence, yoga, self improvement… and the list goes on.
They love it here because the environment in the unit is extremely light hearted. An occasional giggle here, a muted chat there, sharing notes on new learnings, helping each other and being a support system to one another, this is as strong a bonding as it gets!
With such positivity, this workplace is a home away from home for many.. Chitra, a petite young girl with dark hair is one such example. On hearing that STL is converting one of their units to be run only by women, she knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for and since then there has been no looking back for her.
Like her there are many, who despite coming from diverse cultures, have found a place they can call their own. A secure work place that values their contribution and lets them learn, chat, laugh, eat, compete, smile and celebrate their achievements together everyday.
Chitra, Khushboo, Sushmita, Dipali, Sakshi are just a few names whom i met and interacted with for a little while but they left a lasting impression on me. They are the heroes whom we don’t come across often. Unlike the hardened, expressionless faces of men we see on the manufacturing floor, these women might look delicate but their physical strength is their determination. They have the will to provide a better life for themselves and their families. My humble salute to these women, their camaraderie and their resolve to bring about progressive change.
FAQs
What is WiFi?
Put simply, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to create a wireless network through which devices like mobile phones, computers, printers, etc., connect to the internet. A wireless router is needed to establish a WiFi hotspot that people in its vicinity may use to access internet services. You’re sure to have encountered such a WiFi hotspot in houses, offices, restaurants, etc.
To get a little more technical, WiFi works by enabling a Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN that allows devices connected to it to exchange signals with the internet via a router. The frequencies of these signals are either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bandwidths. These frequencies are much higher than those transmitted to or by radios, mobile phones, and televisions since WiFi signals need to carry significantly higher amounts of data. The networking standards are variants of 802.11, of which there are several (802.11a, 802.11b, 801.11g, etc.).
What is an Optical Fibre Cable?
An optical fibre cable is a cable type that has a few to hundreds of optical fibres bundled together within a protective plastic coating. They help carry digital data in the form of light pulses across large distances at faster speeds. For this, they need to be installed or deployed either underground or aerially. Standalone fibres cannot be buried or hanged so fibres are bunched together as cables for the transmission of data.
This is done to protect the fibre from stress, moisture, temperature changes and other externalities. There are three main components of a optical fibre cable, core (It carries the light and is made of pure silicon dioxide (SiO2) with dopants such as germania, phosphorous pentoxide, or alumina to raise the refractive index; Typical glass cores range from as small as 3.7um up to 200um), Cladding (Cladding surrounds the core and has a lower refractive index than the core, it is also made from the same material as the core; 1% refractive index difference is maintained between the core and cladding; Two commonly used diameters are 125µm and 140µm) and Coating (Protective layer that absorbs shocks, physical damage and moisture; The outside diameter of the coating is typically either 250µm or 500µm; Commonly used material for coatings are acrylate,Silicone, carbon, and polyimide).
An optical fibre cable is made up of the following components: Optical fibres – ranging from one to many. Buffer tubes (with different settings), for protection and cushioning of the fibre. Water protection in the tubes – wet or dry. A central strength member (CSM) is the backbone of all cables. Armoured tapes for stranding to bunch the buffer tubes and strength members together. Sheathing or final covering to provide further protection.
The five main reasons that make this technology innovation disruptive are fast communication speed, infinite bandwidth & capacity, low interference, high tensile strength and secure communication. The major usescases of optical fibre cables include intenet connectivity, computer networking, surgery & dentistry, automotive industry, telephony, lighting & decorations, mechanical inspections, cable television, military applications and space.
