India, a country steeped in tradition and diversity, has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years. For generations, women were confined within the four walls in belief and expectancy to fulfil their gender roles. But lately there has been a profound shift in this narrative as more and more women are contributing to the economy by venturing out to actively participate in various professions. However, this transition is not without its share of complexities and challenges.
What is the role of women in the workforce?
Throughout the Indian history, women have been recognized as the silent pillars of strength, bearing the weight of family and societal responsibilities. After a paradigm shift, women are now increasingly emerging as key contributors to the nation’s workforce. Women are a potent driving force behind India’s economic growth. Their participation in the workforce adds substantially to the nation’s GDP. Their contribution enhances productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
In an increasingly globalised world, gender-inclusive workplaces enhance India’s global standing by signalling a commitment to diversity and gender equality, making it an attractive destination for investment and talent.
Women are taking up leadership positions across industries, showing exceptional leadership qualities, such as resilience, and effective communication. Women leaders serve as role models, inspiring future generations of female professionals to aim higher.
Women are actively participating in entrepreneurship and job creation in India. They are founding startups, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), contributing significantly to employment generation, boosting local economies, and fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation. As women continue to make their mark in India’s workforce, significant challenges still prevent women from realising their full potential.
Stereotypes of working women
A stereotype is “a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image of idea of a person or thing.” Women, especially those pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated professions, are often the targets of gender-infused stereotypes. Women are often stereotyped as primary caregivers, assumed to prioritize family responsibilities over their careers. This stereotype can lead to doubts about their commitment to work.
Women are sometimes seen as more emotional or sensitive, which can lead to perceptions that they may struggle with making tough decisions or handling high-pressure situations.
Some people assume that women are less competent or capable than men in certain fields or positions. This stereotype can result in women needing to work harder to prove their skills and qualifications.
Society often places a higher emphasis on women’s appearance compared to men. This stereotype can lead to judgments based on physical appearance rather than professional capabilities, affecting women’s credibility. Challenges faced by women in the workforce
In workplaces worldwide, women continue to confront a series of obstacles that can hinder their career growth. Anushka Singh, an employer in the IT sector from past 2 years, expressed to TTL, “I am equally qualified in this sector, if not more, than any other man out there. Yet people still make jokes about what a woman is doing in this sector. It’s humiliating when the society questions your skills just because you are a woman.” Deepika Padukone, one of the highest paid actresses in the business, revealed that she too had a tryst with pay disparity based on gender.
Speaking at an event, Deepika claimed that she turned down a film due to the pay gap with her male co-star. “I know my track record and what I’m worth. I know that his films haven’t been doing well as my films have been doing. It made absolutely no sense. I was okay to say no to that film based on that one thing, as I thought it was unfair,” she said. The most disheartening challenge that women face in the workplace is the fear of sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement brought out numerous cases of women facing sexual and non-sexual harassment in the workplace.
The “Women in the Workplace” report found that 35% of women in full-time corporate sector jobs have experienced sexual harassment. Another study by EEOC estimates that 75% of women subject to such hostile situations will not report their harassment.
Another challenge is that women often earn less than men for the same work, a phenomenon known as the gender pay gap. This wage disparity is due to a combination of factors, including discrimination, occupational segregation, and the impact of motherhood on career advancement.
Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging for women. Women who become mothers often face discrimination and reduced career opportunities. The “motherhood penalty” can result in lower pay, and even job loss. Promoting gender equality in workplace
In an interview, Tanya Appachu, a Tax Consultant tuned legal content creator, said, “Gender bias is an abuse, even if it is online.”
Gender equality in workplace is a necessity for societies and economies to thrive. Closing the gender pay gap is a crucial step toward workplace gender equality. Organizations should ensure that women receive the same compensation as their male counterparts for equivalent roles.
Instituting and enforcing anti-discrimination policies is essential. This includes policies against gender-based harassment, bias, and unequal treatment. Recognizing and mitigating unconscious bias is essential for creating a fair workplace.
Comprehensive parental leave policies that include paid leave for mothers and fathers contribute to gender equality. These policies encourage shared caregiving responsibilities and help women maintain job continuity. What do the women around us want?
While speaking to TTL, Ananya Gupta, a legal associate said, “We simply want our hard work to be rewarded fairly. Equal pay for equal work – it’s not just a slogan; it’s a basic right.”
Shruti Tiwari, a corporate employee, told TTL, “It is high time now and women should be credited for their skills. Men should not feel threatened by a woman’s success.” Gender equality in the workplace is not a distant dream; it is an achievable reality. By listening to these voices, recognizing the challenges, and implementing the necessary changes, we can achieve gender equality. By: freelance journalist, reporting for true to life