Hyderabad: Condemning stereotyping of women, Telangana Indian Administrative Service officer Smita Sabharwal stood up to sexism and sent a legal notice to Outlook magazine for carrying a sexist piece on her.
In a recent article called 'No Boring Babu' the magazine had written that Sabharwal is present at every meeting making a fashion statement with her lovely saris and serves as eye candy at meetings. The magazine even carried a cartoon of Sabharwal walking on a ramp as the Telangana Chief Minister holds a camera.
In her legal notice, the officer has called the article distasteful, cheap and titillating.
In the notice served to the magazine, Sabarwal's counsel said, "Sabarwal's hard work, dedication and her excellence at her chosen profession are washed away by the mere fact of her being an attractive, young and successful woman who has also accomplished quite a lot professionally, owing to her dedication and perseverance. Invite the magazine to investigate Sabharwal's profile before indulging in cheap and mindless caricatures."
Justifying the move, Sabarwal said, "I had to speak out because of my professional pride. Most working women have a sense of professional pride. I was horrified that leading magazine like Outlook objectifies women. Had I not spoken up, I wouldn't be doing justice to my job."
Sabharwal said she will file a defamation suit if she's satisfied with the apology. I won't be satisfied with an apology tucked in a corner. I will go ahead with defamation suit if apology is not proper."
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