She broke the 106-yr-old 'glass ceiling' of Kolkata clubs

Kolkata: Elite clubs of Kolkata are known for soul-stirring atmosphere, good food and perhaps some male chauvinism. For the first time in over a hundred years, a woman will now head one of these.

She is a president of a different kind and while not in the league of kind of ones like Pratibha Patil, Renu Roy is all set to shatter the glass ceiling in Kolkata's social circuit.

She will be the first woman to assume the post of president of Saturday Club ... which has been a male preserve for the past 106-years. Renu underplays her achievement but has clear plans about improving the club's standard.

"I am happy no doubt but more women should come forward. I will concentrate on improving catering, sports and culture here,” says Roy.

An accomplished actor in theatre and TV serials, Renu runs a production company and also owns an art gallery. In 2006 she became the vice president of the club and her name was proposed for the post of the President by the outgoing committee and with no other nominations Renu is president unopposed.

“I feel she will do better than men,” said A K Chatterjee, President, The Saturday Club.

“In our club, we do allow the women to vote in the club elections. We do give empowerment to women but never at such levels,” said Brigadier A K Dutta, secretary, The Saturday Club.

Renu is hopeful that after she takes over her office on September 19, many other clubs will follow the same route and more and more women will be given chance to lead.

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