DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 49

Happy Women's Month, Didis! Although it feels strange to say "happy" anything when we know a war is raging on the other side of the Atlantic -- a war that is weighing heavy on our hearts. At the bottom of our newsletter, we link to a post from The On Canada Project that can help us unpack the realities of this ongoing conflict. 

International Women's Day also falls this week. Join us on Twitter for our first ever Twitter Spaces event where we'll be chatting about news, pop culture and everything else brown girls are talking about. 

Follow and join us on Thursday, March 10th on Twitter at 7 EST / 4 PST! 

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Meet The Didi:
 
This month, we're chatting with Pooja Handa of 98.1 CHFI’s, CHFI Mornings with Pooja & Gurdeep. Covering some of Toronto’s most glamorous red carpets to the biggest cultural events, along with the latest breaking news, Pooja is a highly respected broadcaster with nearly two decades of experience informing and entertaining television audiences across Toronto and the GTA. She is passionate about mentoring young women in their career paths and has dedicated her time to many charities, most recently Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

What initially drew you to the world of media and journalism?

From a very young age, I loved performing and telling stories. Broadcast journalism seemed like the perfect career path to marry both of these loves together. While studying in school, I remember thinking this was too good to be true. Storytelling was challenging but also very exciting. Every story brought a different perspective and something unique to the forefront. I thought, if I could do this every day, I don’t think I would ever get bored. Nearly 20 years later, I was not wrong!

Have you faced any challenges as a South Asian woman in the industry? 

Being female in any industry comes with many challenges and being South Asian did come with additional obstacles. I remember being asked if I would change my name to sound less ethnic, but I refused to do that. I also remember not always seeing myself in roles simply because I didn’t think it was attainable. We know representation matters, and there were not a lot of role models while growing up. It took me some time before I was confident enough to start raising my hand to get a seat at the table. I was fortunate to have many other women to look up to, and to mentor me on that journey.

After 20 years in television, you've recently moved to a new radio show with Gurdeep Ahluwalia, can you tell us about making the move?

We were given a wonderful opportunity to start a new morning show together on 98.1 CHFI called “The Pooja and Gurdeep Show.” The station is iconic in Toronto with an incredible legacy. It was a chance of a lifetime, to be given our own show and to be able to work with my dear friend, Gurdeep.  It was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. And after 20 years working in television, it was time to take on a new challenge and seek new opportunities. Joining Rogers Sports and Media also comes with a chance to live in the eco-system of their many platforms. In addition to our daily radio show, we also have segments on Breakfast Television, CityLine and I host a brand-new show on TSC called Beauty Bar.

What's been the most fulfilling part of your career so far?

I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work in various roles throughout my career from reporting to anchoring to hosting. I’ve also been able to interview countless celebrities and be a part of some historic moments in Toronto. It’s certainly been memorable, and has come with a powerful platform which I hope has been a vehicle for change. The most fulfilling part has been connecting with every day people as part of my job. There’s a very special relationship that is formed in morning radio/TV where people are kind enough to invite you into their homes/cars to kick start their day and to share in their lives. When I hear from them, and they tell me that I helped brighten their day, or made them laugh… that’s what brings me the most joy. I truly feel I’m a part of their family and the community.

Do you have any advice for younger Didis who want to work in the industry?

I want my younger Didis to know that it can be a very tough, competitive industry, but to not give up on their dreams. It’s so important for young South Asian women to see a path forward, with opportunities and one in which they can grow as a broadcaster. There are many Didis who are there to help and guide you. Look to them for advice and inspiration. No Didi did it alone and we all have other women to thank for helping us along the way. I’ve heard “no” a lot in my career, but it only made me strive for the “yes” even harder. I always tell young people that when doors don’t open for you, kick them down! 

What we're reading & watching: 

As many of you, we're grappling with the current events happening with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. We found this post from the On Canada Project helpful to unpack what's going on. 
 
A national study conducted by Pink Attitude found that South Asian women, despite being among the most highly educated segment of the population, disproportionately report feeling under utilized at work, resulting in more than 50 per cent intending to quit their current role.

Seerat Saini Is Decolonizing Desi Beauty, One Instagram at a Time

15 Brilliant Books By South Asian Authors

Our Didi, Agam Darshi's latest project Donkeyhead releases in theatres in Vancouver, Toronto and Saskatchewan on March 11!

— Roohi Sahajpal

Issue 49
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