“Back at home and otherwise I have many people asking me what makes me not quit work, when there is a small child to attend to. My answer to them is simple. A happy woman is a happy mother!”
Launched in December 2012 by AccorHotels, the WAAG (Women at Accor Generation) network is an international network that has more than 5000 members around the globe. It aims to overcome gender stereotypes and promote gender equality within AccorHotels, particularly in managerial positions.
Women at Accor Generation is an international network open to any Accor female or male - Operations and Head Offices. The network is working towards increased female representation within the Group and around the world. It is a forum for exchanging ideas and sharing experience.
Mamta Kambli, F&B Team Leader and a proud new mother, shares her story:
“I began my journey with Accor Hotels as a F&B Associate at Novotel Goa Shrem Hotel in July 2013. Grew up the ladder and the March of 2015 saw me moving to ibis Mumbai Airport as a Team Leader. My experience here has been exceptionally amazing - While I never shied away from hard work, hotel too extended its full support in terms of training, guiding, encouraging and giving equal opportunities and challenges. This only makes me wonder why F&B department across industry do not have much women employees. During my pregnancy, the hotel gave me much needed confidence. Of course, I had my own apprehensions if I will be able to make that perfect work life balance, but ibis family came forward with whatever they could on making the months ahead comfortable for me. I was given a schedule suiting my needs, had flexible shifts and even my special dietary needs were taken care of at the restaurant. In spite of F&B operations being very busy at that point of time, they made sure I did not stay a minute more than I had to. All this only encouraged me to continue giving my best and kept me positive throughout. When my son Yuvaan was born, I was given all the time to recover and my first day back at work remains a memorable one because of the welcome I received. I am sure Yuvaan will always be proud of the fact that he was raised by a strong, happy and independent woman. In future it’s my dream to see my business card with Mamta Kambli - F&B Manager on it, and that is what I am working towards. And when you have an organisation which recognizes this dream, it only helps me move closer to it every day.”