WADe Asia Not just an Event But a Movement

Author Vertica DvivediPosted on December 3, 2018June 3, 2019

People today are more connected to their smart phones & laptops than with each other. The world has already got its first human-like Interactive Robot known as Jia Jia in China. Prof. Ishiguro’s from Osaka University created an android named Erica with lifelike skin and facial gestures. Erica uses Artificial Intelligence to listen and respond to requests. AI is said to have three stages of development with the last one being the ‘capability to replace human.’ Well, anything can be put to good or bad, but it does sound scary when we think from a social point of view!

While technology has connected the entire world and made information widely accessible, there is no substitute to human one-to-one interactions.

WADe India is about coming together of everyone to celebrate Women-led design & development. It was formed to bring together women architects, artists and designers in one platform. Research revealed, generally women have more avenues to attend, leading to less time for networking and connecting with others. Social media does help them to stay in touch but real connect happens through sharing & interactions which are intelligently facilitated through researched topics, bringing together people from same peer groups, mentors, mentees, more, for exchange of ideas, thoughts & knowledge-exchange.

WADe India believes in positive sharing. For the negatives, you already have newspapers and television.

I am often asked, if WADe is about women empowerment and crying about how bad the world is treating women etc. I ask, why this kind of frozen mindset? Why coming together has to be about shouting out for rights & privileges? Our women are empowered and a platform like WADe gives them power to empower those who need a hand through dissemination of knowledge and sharing of experiences.

WADe is about Women-led Development and to inspire the world through the wonderful works done by women. It is the coming together of industry and families to celebrate their work. And if there is any issue that a fellow woman designer is facing which needs to be discussed, we are open to discuss that too. WADe is also about documenting the work and progress of Women in design.

Initially, I used to not like being called a woman architect. But I see the incredible amount of need from other women for reassurance that it could be done, so I don’t mind that anymore.  - Zaha Hadid

WADe India believes in positive sharing. For the negatives, you already have newspapers and television. There is a lot of need for women to meet and interact with each other. It is important to get an opportunity to listen to their Role Models. There is a need for assurance that things are possible. There is a need to meet women in flesh & blood who have broken glass ceilings that others thought ‘impossible’. At the same time, women should be proud for being the nurturers of the world. And there should be no guilt feeling associated with wanting the best of both worlds – family and career. This generation is seeing a surge of such women and it is time to learn how to balance all the three crystal balls together in balance- family, work and yourself. Yes, WADe is standing by your side to support.

Many women may not like themselves to called ‘Women Designers or Artists’ as it gives a feeling of being compartmentalised. However, those who can see the bigger picture are definitely different and creating the difference for others. Zaha Hadid who initially didn’t like the idea of being called Woman Architect had said, “As a woman in architecture, you’re always an outsider.” Can you imagine what the world’s first female architect to win Pritzker Prize (known as ‘Nobel prize of Architecture’) had to hear from press? As per an article, The New York Times architecture critic Herbert Muschamp called Zaha “a big, raucous peasant woman” whose “earthier appetites” leaned toward eating lamb testicles over reading books. Guardian reporter Stuart Jeffries called her miserable. Edwin Heathcote of the Financial Times rudely questioned her if she deserved the prize. No other Pritzker Prize winner had ever been subjected to such a confrontational press response.

Hadid rose above it all, including her inhibitions about being called a Woman Architect. She came to recognize her importance as a symbol. She understood it was important for her to be called a Woman Architect to be a Role Model for others so that she can look at contributing for others. “Initially, I used to not like being called a woman architect,” she said. “But I see the incredible amount of need from other women for reassurance that it could be done, so I don’t mind that at all.” Thanks to her wise understanding & perseverance, the whole world now considers her as a Role Model. Zaha won the Architects’ Journal’s inaugural Jane Drew Prize for her “Outstanding contribution to the status of women in Architecture” in 2012.

Tegan Bukowski, a former student of Zaha Hadid have been quoted saying that the office was rare in the profession not only because it was nearly equally split between men and women. Zaha herself was a role model, but she also created role models in the company by making sure that women thrived. This can happen strongly when you are proud to be a Women Professional and equally responsible & sensitive about your Roles as a Role Model.

Margaret Thatcher had once said, if you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman. WADe believes Women in design have much more potential than what have been achieved so far. As said, it is perfectly human for women to want the best of both worlds– family and career or just to focus on what she likes. To enable continuous motivation & learning while ensuring documentation of their works and progress, WADe Asia is formed.

Previous WADe events saw the recognition of Role Models and young designers of India. This year it is from 11-12 October 2019 as WADe Asia, an attempt to touch & extend the chord with sisters in design, around Asia. All are welcome at NSIC Exhibition Center, New Delhi. Visit www.wadeasia.com to book your seat. We shall be waiting to meet you all.