How A Virtual Meeting Call Can Hint At Shrinking Female Workforce

Gender disparity in India persists with challenges such as unequal access to education, limited employment opportunities for women, and a prevalent gender pay gap. Deep-rooted cultural norms contribute to the imbalance, reinforcing stereotypes and inhibiting the full realization of women's potential, hindering the nation's overall progress. Gender disparity in India persists with challenges such as unequal access to education, limited employment opportunities for women, and a prevalent gender pay gap. Deep-rooted cultural norms contribute to the imbalance, reinforcing stereotypes and inhibiting the full realization of women's potential, hindering the nation's overall progress.

Challenging Dynamics in Indian Workplaces

The trend of women gradually leaving the workforce in India due to increasing family obligations is a concerning reflection of societal expectations. Despite initial strides in gender diversity, the balance in office roles tends to shift over time, with women facing the brunt of familial responsibilities impacting their career pursuits.

This dilemma is perfectly encapsulated in a recent tweet. Ayushi Mona Singh on Twitter (X) wrote how the number of women in office roles fades away with time as societal expectations often prioritize familial responsibilities over career pursuits.

At some point, as a working woman, you start seeing other women disappear.

It begins slowly. You are on a Zoom call and you are the only female face.

You are in a meeting room and someone presumes you are not good at what you do because you are so 'well-dressed'.

— Ayushi Mona Singh (@TheMonaFactor) January 2, 2024

Gender Disparities in Career Progression

The disparity in career progression becomes evident as men readily assume leadership roles or pursue promotions, while women may find themselves constrained by societal expectations. Most observation points to a systemic issue where women's career trajectories are hindered by family obligations, contrasting with men who are conventionally expected to continue working.

Gradually mediocre boys you know become guest speakers at your alma mater. Men who are wayyy junior to you become team leaders on no better grounds than their own deluded belief in their level of competence OR because they have jumped 2 progressive jobs for a promotion.

— Ayushi Mona Singh (@TheMonaFactor) January 2, 2024

The unspoken rule mentioned — that men often find smoother paths up the career ladder compared to women — reveals the underlying societal pressures and expectations. The ability of a woman to advance in her career becomes intricately tied to her family's support, with factors like relocation due to a husband's job posing additional challenges for her professional growth.

Unfair Dynamics and the Need for Change

The unfairness in the dynamics, where women juggle work and family, facing additional hurdles, underscores the need for societal and workplace changes. Recognising and addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering a more equitable environment, allowing women to pursue their careers without compromising their personal lives.

This calls for initiatives that support work-life balance, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in professional spaces.

Views expressed by the author are their own