Regardless of geography, women encounter numerous obstacles to sustain and advance in various industries. From gender bias and unequal opportunities to societal expectations and cultural norms, women often face systemic barriers that hinder their professional growth.
It is imperative for companies to recognise these challenges and take proactive steps to mitigate them. By implementing inclusive policies, providing mentorship and training programs, and fostering a culture of diversity and equality, companies can help alleviate the barriers faced by women in the workplace.
Moreover, promoting a supportive and empowering environment where women are valued and respected not only benefits individual employees but also contributes to the overall success and competitiveness of the organisation, emphasised Naganagouda S. J., Chief People Officer at Tally Solutions.
During an exclusive interview with People Matters, he highlighted how it is the responsibility of companies to create pathways for women to thrive and excel, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.
What are the primary factors contributing to the gender gap in the workforce of India?
The gender gap in the Indian workforce can be attributed to several factors. The ILO’s Global Employment Trends Report (2013) highlighted a decline in women’s work force participation over the years. India ranks 11th from the bottom among 131 countries for women work force participation.
Low education levels and entrenched social and cultural norms, including patriarchy, play a significant role in restricting women to traditional roles at home.
Gender-based pay disparity is evident, with women in India earning only 62% of what their male counterparts receive for the same position and workload, according to the World Economic Forum. These combined factors contribute significantly to the gender gap in the Indian workforce.
The gender gap in the Indian workforce is influenced by the key following factors:
- Educational Disparities: Despite narrowing gender gaps in education, particularly in rural areas, limited access to quality education for girls still persists, restricting their employment opportunities and contributing to workforce gender disparities.
- Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional gender norms and patriarchal attitudes in India, prioritising men’s careers over women’s, significantly impact women’s work force participation, leading to lower rates.
- Wage Discrimination: Women in India face significant wage disparities, with the gender pay gap estimated at around 34%, acting as a deterrent for women to engage in the workforce or pursue higher-paying careers.
- Safety Concerns: Gender-based violence in public spaces and workplaces creates safety concerns for women, deterring them from seeking employment outside the home and contributing to the gender gap in the workforce.
- Access to Finance: Limited access to financial resources acts as a barrier to women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, hindering their ability to start or expand businesses and participate fully in the workforce.
- Legal and Regulatory Barriers: Despite legal protections and provisions for maternity benefits, weak enforcement of labour laws and ineffective grievance mechanisms contribute to the persistence of gender disparities in the Indian workforce.
What challenges and stereotypes hinder women from more active and equal participation in the formal workforce?
In the Indian formal workforce, women encounter many challenges and stereotypes that hinder their active and equal participation:
- Gender Bias in Hiring and Promotions: Unconscious biases often disadvantage women in leadership positions and higher-paid roles, perpetuating stereotypes about their capabilities and commitment to work.
- Work-Life Balance Expectations: Stereotypes associating women with primary caregiving responsibilities lead to challenges in balancing work and family duties, potentially hindering career advancement.
- Lack of Role Models and Mentorship: Stereotypes about women’s abilities in leadership roles contribute to a lack of women role models and mentors, limiting career development opportunities.
- Stereotypes About STEM Fields: Persistent stereotypes about women’s abilities in STEM fields discourage their pursuit of careers in these industries, contributing to underrepresentation in lucrative and growing sectors.
- Societal Expectations and Norms: Stereotypes about women’s roles influence career choices, leading to occupational segregation and unequal representation in the workforce and many more.
These are the few sample challenges underscore the need to address stereotypes and biases to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment for women in India.
Community Manager.