Women At Work: Exploring Challenges Confronting Women In Professional Environments (original) (raw)

Despite notable progress and increased awareness, women continue to face numerous obstacles hindering their advancement in the workplace. This research endeavors to provide a comprehensive understanding of these challenges and the strategies employed by women to overcome them. It underscores the urgent need for collective efforts to attain gender equality in professional spheres. The study employed a qualitative approach, involving interviews with 50 male and 50 female job holders from both government and non-government sectors. Additionally, focus group discussions and participatory rural appraisal techniques were used to gather insights. The analysis revealed several critical themes. The "glass ceiling" phenomenon, symbolizing invisible barriers to women's career advancement, persists across industries, driven by historical prejudices, systemic inequalities, and subtle biases. The struggle for work-life balance is a pervasive challenge, leading to stress and burnout. Coping mechanisms such as time management, social support, and self-care are crucial. Supportive work environments and addressing issues like the gender pay gap and sexual harassment are essential. Maternity and family leave policies, especially paid parental leave, are vital for gender equity. Returning to work after a career break necessitates addressing skill erosion and biases. Dual-career couples face unique challenges, often resulting in career compromises for women. Overcoming this requires shifting societal expectations and providing support for both partners. Gender stereotypes limit career choices from a young age, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from these constraints for a diverse and equitable workforce. To achieve gender equality, collective action at societal, organizational, and individual levels is imperative.