Dr. Yogini Deshpande - Renuka Consultants

Societal and environmental needs necessitate building sustainable structures; this has been my guiding principle from the beginning of my career.
Dr. Yogini Deshpande, Technical Director, Renuka Consultants

The government’s partnership with ACC Ltd and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board paved the way for the development of many industry practices for usage of high-performance concrete in India.

I hold a PhD in Civil Engineering from Purdue University, USA (2006), a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, and a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering from Mumbai University. Prior to pursuing a PhD, I worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Department of Defence, India, from 1998 to 2002. I was involved in the development of mix designs, placement techniques, and quality control at sites for high strength grades of concrete with flyash, microsilica and GGBS for the construction of India’s Nuclear Power Plant.

I was in charge of development of characterisation of materials for mixture proportioning, development of mixing and placement and long-term requirements for mixture proportioning, based on site and environmental conditions for different nuclear power plants. The work conducted was the first of its kind in the industry.

At Purdue University’s PhD Program, I developed unique repair materials and researched on the design of Dowel Bar Retrofit techniques for pavement repair and development of Rapid-Setting Self Compacting Concrete for Bridge & Pavement Repair. My work led to a unique analysis of design of retrofitting methods and material characterisation for repair needs, and was adopted by the Indiana Department of Transportation, USA, due to its ease of use and reduced downtime for repairs.

Renuka Consultants has developed unique schemes for various projects which have resulted in major savings and longer service life.

I have helped develop the company into three key verticals: Ground Engineering, Structural Assessments, and Material Testing. We have executed some major projects for Geotechnical studies and testing such as the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Line, Shivaji Statue, Coastal Road for DPR as well as for EPC contractor, LNG Terminus at Charra, and the Thane Creek Bridge.

The Ground Engineering Vertical provides a complete suite of testing and analysis for the infrastructure industry including Geotechnical Investigations, Field Testing, and Geophysical Investigation and Analysis, with all facilities being in-house and company owned infrastructure. Today, Renuka Consultants is positioned as a number one company in the country with its large portfolio of services.

Renuka Consultants has developed an extensive NABL accredited material testing facility of over 15,000 sq ft area which provides assessment services to the industry from pre-tendering stages to demolition, including physical and chemical analysis.

A woman engineer is always competing with the best in the room, unlike men engineers whose competition is just the immediate person. Fighting discrimination, trying to remove misconceptions and biases against women in the construction industry is a continuous struggle.

When I graduated, a prominent builder who was conducting placements had openly mentioned that women need not apply since the job offered was at a project site. Today, I have gone on to design foundations and conduct important concrete assessments and site testing for the same builder.

I have, since the beginning of my career, worked to remove biases one brick at a time. In my graduating class there were four women but none of them joined the construction industry. But I chose to be in civil engineering and to work on the field too.

While working at Atomic Energy Regulatory Board during 1998-2000, I could not work long hours initially despite being the engineer responsible for having devised the complete quality control plan for the project. This was because work would go on into midnight or start before sunrise, and the Government of India had a rule that women were not allowed on site post sunset. I worked with my bosses to get such a rule removed so that women could work and contribute to all the areas of construction.

While efforts are made to address gender disparities in various domains, such as education, employment, and political representation, the domestic sphere often remains less scrutinized.

The argument points to a nuanced aspect of the gender equality discourse. It suggests that while there is a call for women to refrain from reservations, there might be less emphasis on promoting equal sharing of domestic responsibilities among men. The argument reflects a concern about the broader societal expectations and traditional gender roles that persist.

The call for women to refrain from reservations may stem from the desire for a level playing field based on merit rather than gender. However, the concern here is that true equality involves a more comprehensive re-evaluation of societal expectations, including those related to domestic responsibilities.

Promoting equal sharing of domestic responsibilities among men is crucial for achieving genuine gender equality. It challenges traditional stereotypes and recognizes that both men and women can contribute to both the public and private spheres. This shift not only empowers women to pursue their goals but also allows men to engage more fully in family life.

Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that tackles both systemic barriers in various domains and societal expectations related to gender roles. Advocates for gender equality often argue for a comprehensive transformation that encompasses workplace dynamics, political representation, and domestic responsibilities to achieve a more equitable and inclusive society.

A stable and supportive family environment contributes to a sense of security, which can positively impact a woman’s confidence and enhance her ability to take risks in her professional endeavours.

Family support very important for any individual. It provides emotional strength through the highs and lows of life. Knowing that one has understanding and cooperation from family members can help working women in managing their professional commitments without having to neglect their personal and familial responsibilities. Family values and morals can shape an individual's professional ethics. The guidance and teachings from family members can influence decision-making and behavior in the professional sphere.

Women should approach difficulties as opportunities for growth and not view them as insurmountable obstacles.

My message to young women engineers is that they must know that setbacks and challenges are a part of their professional journey. Persistence in the face of adversity is often the key to long-term success. So, cultivate a positive mindset as positivity not only enhances your own well-being but also contributes to a constructive and collaborative work environment. It can be a driving force in overcoming challenges and fostering innovation.

Uphold high standards of professional ethics. Integrity, honesty, and transparency are foundations of a successful and fulfilling career. Building a reputation for ethical conduct is essential for long-term professional credibility as is meeting commitments despite all odds. The field of civil engineering is constantly evolving, so stay updated on the latest technologies, methodologies, and industry trends. This commitment to learning will enhance your skill set and adaptability.

Seek mentorship and build a strong professional network. Having mentors can provide valuable guidance, while a supportive network can offer insights, opportunities, and a sense of community. Networking can open doors to collaborations and career advancements.

Strive for a balance between professional and personal commitments. It's important to prioritize self-care, family, and personal well-being alongside career aspirations.

Advocate for yourself and others. Promote diversity and inclusion within the profession. Support initiatives that empower women in engineering and work towards creating an inclusive environment. Remember that each professional journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Stay true to your values, be adaptable, and embrace the opportunities for growth and learning along the way. Your contributions as a woman in civil engineering are valuable, and your perseverance can inspire future generations.