Explore unique hurdles women face in the business world & how they’ve overcome them

Authored by Priya Thakur, Founder & CEO, LaRiSa Resorts

The latest data from India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment reveals a promising trend: the Labour Force Participation Rate for women has risen to 37% in 2024, a significant increase from 23.3% in 2018, as per the annual Periodic Labour Force Survey. This growth reflects substantial progress in women’s workforce participation, marking a step toward greater gender inclusion in the labour market.

Women today are breaking barriers across industries, transcending traditional roles, and carving their paths in the business world. Despite facing gender bias, discrimination, and societal expectations, women are demonstrating extraordinary resilience, balancing demanding careers with personal lives, and emerging as influential leaders. Their stories of perseverance and ingenuity inspire future generations to dream big and achieve their goals. However, the journey remains fraught with challenges that test their resolve at every step.

As a woman entrepreneur who spent considerable time in the corporate world, I’ve observed some common hurdles women face throughout their careers:

Key Challenges Women Face in the Business World

1. Gender Bias and Discrimination:
   Women often face conscious and unconscious biases, leading to being overlooked for promotions, underpaid, or undervalued. Stereotypes about women being less assertive or capable persist, limiting opportunities. Moreover, sexual harassment continues to create hostile work environments, damaging women’s careers and well-being.
2. Work-Life Balance:
   Many women return to work shortly after childbirth to avoid career gaps and maintain financial stability. Yet, the disproportionate responsibility for childcare and elder care makes it challenging to juggle professional and personal lives. In India, traditional gender roles add further pressure to prioritize family over work.
3. Lack of Mentorship and Sponsorship:
   The limited number of women in leadership roles often means fewer mentors and sponsors to guide and advocate for aspiring women professionals. Networking barriers, especially in male-dominated industries, further hinder women from building valuable professional connections.
4. Financial Barriers:
   Women continue to be paid less than men for equal work, restricting their financial resources and career opportunities. Women entrepreneurs also face significant challenges in securing funding, as they are often perceived as higher-risk investments.

Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success

Despite these hurdles, women have showcased remarkable resilience and ingenuity in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Here are some strategies that have proven effective:

1. Building Strong Networks:
   
   Women should actively seek mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and opportunities. Leveraging professional networking platforms, attending industry events, joining professional groups, and collaborating with other women in business can strengthen networks and open doors.
2. Developing Leadership Skills:
   
   Confidence and assertiveness are key to commanding respect and authority. Women should focus on enhancing communication skills to articulate ideas persuasively and manage relationships effectively. Emotional intelligence is crucial in navigating challenging situations and building lasting professional relationships.
3. Seeking Education and Training:
   
   Continuous learning is vital to staying competitive. Women can benefit from staying updated on industry trends, acquiring new skills, and pursuing advanced degrees to enhance credibility and career prospects.

4. Embracing Work-Life Integration:

Achieving work-life balance is one of the toughest challenges, but setting clear priorities, delegating tasks, and adopting effective time management strategies can help. Negotiating flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, can also enable women to meet both professional and personal commitments.

 DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and Adgully.com does not necessarily subscribe to it.