Women are no different at the workplace, it is said, but they are treated differently, it is also a reality of the business world. Women have earned and gained their space in the workplace after much struggle but still miles to go. It seems rosy from a distance but it has thorns too. Behind every success of the woman in the workplace, there are many sacrifices, she made at personal, social, and professional levels. She faced many challenges and made her way with much struggle baggage. She is a reservoir of courage, passion, and commitment.
Women’s workplace woes are not hidden or unknown but yes, they are not addressed honestly. Their woes are to be understood and appreciated in the right perspective. Research reports one after another have identified their issues but not much appears to be gaining ground. Still, women face pay disparity, fewer growth opportunities, gender discrimination, sexual harassment, bias, and a unsafe work environment.
Many organisations are actively working on DEI initiatives but results do not indicate that women are heading towards empowerment. Providing jobs is one thing and empowering them is different. This is the gap where organization need to take corrective measures. Such DEI programs will only bring results in the true sense when women are not penalized for speaking up against any wrong that happens to them, when they do not face problems in getting back to jobs after long breaks to fulfill their motherhood responsibilities when they are not subjected to discrimination because of marital status, physical appearance, age, and value system.
Organisations need to dismantle stereotypes, foster inclusive work culture, have in place mentorship programs for women, take initiatives that build confidence and it is for women leaders occupying senior roles in the organisations to provide a level playing field to women and do handholding to bring them up with empathy and compassion. Give them sky to fly. Do not create a glass ceiling.
When organisations talk of equality, it should include women too, when it is talked about leadership roles, it should include women too, and when it is talked about empowerment, it should include women too. It is time to dismantle the toxic masculinity in the workplace.
This edition cover story is an attempt to identify women’s woes in the workplace, what organisations can do to improve the situation, and insights for women by women leaders who have travelled all through the professional journey and have a lot to share from their experiences.
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