Women’s Day – A reality check: Some barriers yet to be broken

We women don’t need one special day in a year to celebrate the significant achievements of women, their resilience, empowerment      and move towards gender equality in all spheres of life. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, I want to take a slightly contrarian view and highlight the numerous challenges that still remain in achieving full equality and breaking long-standing barriers. From gender biases and the wage gap to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, the fight for workplace equality continues. Despite efforts toward inclusivity, women—especially those from marginalized communities—still face obstacles that hinder career growth and professional success.

Gender Bias and Stereotypes

One of the most persistent barriers women face in the workplace is gender bias. Societal norms have long dictated traditional roles for women and men, and these outdated perspectives still influence hiring decisions, promotion opportunities, and workplace culture. Women are often expected to conform to gendered expectations, such as being nurturing, cooperative, or less assertive, which can lead to their leadership abilities being undervalued.

Unconscious biases also play a significant role in workplace discrimination. Studies show that identical resumes with male and female names yield different responses from hiring managers, with men receiving more callbacks and higher starting salaries. Additionally, women are frequently subjected to the "likeability trap"—a phenomenon where assertive women are perceived as aggressive, while men displaying the same traits are seen as strong leaders.

The Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap remains a critical issue in workplace equality. Despite increased awareness, women still earn, on average, less than men for the same roles. The gap is even wider for women of color, disabled women, and those in low-income professions. Unequal pay not only affects women’s financial stability but also has long-term repercussions, including lower retirement savings and economic vulnerability.

To combat this disparity, there is a growing push for salary transparency and equitable pay structures. Organizations are being encouraged to conduct pay audits, implement standard compensation policies, and ensure that salaries are determined based on skills and experience rather than gender.

Underrepresentation in Leadership

Although women make up a significant portion of the workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions. In many industries, men dominate executive roles, boardrooms, and decision-making positions. Women who aspire to climb the corporate ladder often face obstacles such as the "glass ceiling"—an invisible barrier preventing them from advancing beyond a certain point.

The lack of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities also contributes to this challenge. Male-dominated leadership networks can make it difficult for women to access the same professional growth opportunities as their male counterparts. Addressing this requires companies to actively create mentorship programs, leadership training, and sponsorship initiatives that support women's advancement into executive roles.

Work-Life Balance and the "Motherhood Penalty"

Balancing work and family responsibilities remains a significant challenge for many women. The "motherhood penalty" refers to the bias against working mothers, who are often perceived as less committed to their jobs than their male counterparts or women without children. Research shows that mothers are less likely to be hired or promoted and are often offered lower salaries than fathers or childless employees.

Workplace policies such as paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote work options can help support working mothers. However, the burden of childcare and household duties still falls disproportionately on women, making it essential for organizations and society to recognize and address these challenges through supportive policies and cultural shifts.

Sexual Harassment and Workplace Safety

Sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue in workplaces worldwide. Many women experience harassment or discrimination in professional settings, yet fear retaliation or career repercussions if they speak out. The #MeToo movement has shed light on this issue, encouraging more women to report misconduct and demand accountability.

Employers must take proactive measures to ensure workplace safety by implementing strict anti-harassment policies, providing confidential reporting mechanisms, and fostering a culture of respect and zero tolerance for misconduct.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in the Workforce

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the challenges women face in the workplace. Women were disproportionately affected by job losses, particularly in industries such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare. Additionally, remote work blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, increasing the burden on working mothers and caregivers.

Many women had to leave the workforce entirely due to increased caregiving responsibilities, reversing years of progress toward gender equality. As the world recovers from the pandemic, companies and policymakers must address these setbacks by implementing more flexible work arrangements and supporting women’s return to the workforce.

Moving Forward: Breaking Barriers for Future Generations

While challenges remain, progress is being made in breaking barriers for women in the workplace. Organizations, governments, and individuals must continue to push for gender equality by addressing biases, advocating for fair wages, increasing representation in leadership, and fostering inclusive work environments.

Creating workplaces where women can thrive requires a collective effort. By challenging outdated norms, promoting diversity and inclusion, and implementing equitable policies, we can build a future where all women have equal opportunities to succeed. The fight for workplace equality is far from over, but with continued advocacy and systemic change, true progress is possible.

Also Read: Bandhan MF launches Equal Calculator for financial planning on Women's Day