Namrata Dutta, Director of Data Operations at S&P Global Market Intelligence, discusses workplace allyship and the importance of corporate trans inclusion in the future
BY MYGWORK, IMAGE MYGWORK
“I think it’s time we moved the diversity, equity and inclusion needle from ‘intent’ to ‘impact’.”
Namrata Dutta, Director of Data Operations at S&P Global Market Intelligence, spoke with myGwork about the vital role of LGBTQ+ allyship and how S&P Global is working to foster inclusion. She also provides a unique perspective on the issues surrounding identity disclosure in India, the progression of social attitudes throughout her 15-year career, and where she believes
the future of allyship should be focused.
Allyship is more than simply accepting the existence of other identities. It’s about showing a
concerted effort in understanding different cultures, lifestyles, and being educated on the issues
surrounding the treatment of others. From a very young age, Namrata was no stranger to the idea of
multicultural identities, gaining an appreciation and uncommonly advanced exposure towards
diverse groups that would end up shaping and inspiring decisions throughout her life. With her
father working a government-oriented career, she found herself regularly travelling the country,
absorbing an array of societies and communities, quickly understanding the value of cultural
differences.
“My understanding of a lot of things that I do now, if you take it back, was impacted from how my
childhood went,” Namrata explains. “Because I’ve been around the country, and I’ve been a part of a
lot of these social circles, which kept moving as I moved around.”
Namrata’s journey towards LGBTQ+ allyship was not immediately evident – she always knew she
wanted to provide a voice and a platform for communities that needed it, it was only a matter of
finding that group. It wasn’t until a close friend came out to her as transgender, and Namrata
learned that her friend had been suffering in silence this entire time while she was completely
unaware, that she wanted to do more to help this community. “That’s when I realized, not so much
from a corporate point of view, but personally, I would really want to be a part of that voice. Even if I
can help maybe five people in my immediate circle, that would be great,” she remarks. And through
joining S&P Global Market Intelligence, and subsequently their Pride network, Namrata has been
able to accomplish just that.
S&P Global Market Intelligence, a division within S&P Global, is a leading provider of information
services and solutions to global markets. Providing important data and market intelligence,
Namrata’s team plays an essential role in the success of many businesses. Beyond the economic and
commercial triumphs, the staff of S&P Global also pride themselves on the inclusive nature of their
workspace. Diversity is a strongly considered measure throughout the hiring process, as well as
dedicated inclusion training – not just for the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community, but for disability
groups, neurodiverse groups, veterans, all age groups, and much more. This is all to ensure that the
efforts behind diversity, equity, and inclusion are not abandoned upon hiring but maintained and
consistently improved upon over time at the company.
Beyond the hiring process, S&P Global has implemented a Pride people resource group (PRG) for
both LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies. Namrata proudly represents this network and sees it as one part
of how she is able to show up as an active ally to the community. “We want to be the voice behind
some of their needs, some of their challenges, and give them a safe space to come and be
themselves to help the organization to create that safe space.”
Workplace allyship is particularly vital in the development of LGBTQ+ rights in India. Offering a
unique view from witnessing the development of this community over her 15-year career, Namrata
explains the slow but steady progress being made in the country. Though there is still stigma attached to identifying as LGBTQ+, it is becoming increasingly inappropriate for businesses to
exclude people based on their identity.
“We have sort of woken up to realize that this community should also have a seat at the table,”
Namrata explains. “And that presence of that seat, especially on the corporate side, should not be
dependent on which gender you belong to or what your sexual orientation is. Those things should
not matter. You should own that seat, you deserve that seat, irrespective of what community or
what orientation you belong to.”
However, Namrata finds that the biggest issue regarding the normalization of the community is the
difficulty surrounding the disclosure of LGBTQ+ identities. She has seen the exhaustive energy and
time people can spend on concealing their identities out of fear of judgement or dismissal, which
could instead be focused on work achievements and company success. “Fear prevents a lot of
LGBTQ+ employees from bringing their full selves to work. These are the people who will be role
models tomorrow, so we have to ensure we give them a safe environment today.”
Though progress must be made overall for LGBTQ+ acceptance in India, the increased workplace
awareness is indicative of a developing attitude in general. If LGBTQ+ people feel safe and free to be
themselves in their workplace, less time is spent fretting over their identity and more time is spent
developing and improving business for their respective company, mutually benefitting employees
and business owners alike.
Namrata believes that the role organizations play in the development of queer rights is
“foundational” and explains the importance of authenticity in the hiring process. “Once we give
more opportunities, it means better financial independence. It means more societal acceptance; it
means medical benefits. And all of this means a better morale for the people who belong to the
community.” By following S&P Global’s steps in authentic hiring, the incorporation of inclusion
training, and maintaining respectful workplace etiquette, other businesses should be able to reap
the benefits of a healthy work environment.
Looking to the future of LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace and wider society, Namrata firmly believes
the focus should be on transgender inclusion and advancing rights through action, sponsorship, and
allies using their voices. The initial intent behind creating a safe working space is admirable, but
without progressive action taking place, attitudes cannot develop.
“We need to shift the needle from ‘intent’ to ‘impact’, and help people make those changes in our
thoughts and actions and create real impact. I think the value of building a very positive
discrimination-free and safe working environment climate for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in
India, is immense. That value needs to be understood.”
S&P Global are a proud partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Find out more about
jobs at S&P Global.
DIVA magazine celebrates 28 years in print in 2022. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
✨linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine ✨
