The struggle for gender equality is a worldwide issue. We need to broader perspective on the challenges faced by women in the workplace, understand the complex obstacles they encounter and the resulting consequences. It’s also important to explore the intricate connection between gender discrimination, financial insecurity, and the ongoing fight for equality that women experience globally.

Across various societies, patriarchal norms have restricted the roles and aspirations of women. Despite advancements in laws and efforts to promote gender equality, a significant gap persists between policy and its implementation. The gender pay gap, limited opportunities for advancement, underrepresentation in leadership positions, and workplace harassment are widespread concerns that hinder women's progress and financial stability on a global scale.

Furthermore, societal expectations and cultural norms often impose limitations on women's choices, pushing them to prioritize family obligations over professional aspirations. Striking a balance between work and family responsibilities becomes a major challenge for many women, resulting in compromised career growth and limited financial independence.

We analyse the obstacles faced by women in the workplace, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive policy reforms, cultural shifts, and collective efforts to address gender inequality and empower women economically. By examining these issues from a global perspective, we can gain deeper insights into the barriers that hinder women's advancement and identify potential solutions to foster a more equitable and inclusive work environment for everyone.

Women Across the Globe are Burning Out

According to Deloitte’s ‘Women @ Work: A Global Outlook’ substantial number of women globally, accounting for approximately 30 per cent, feel burnt out due to their work. This widespread occurrence of burnout among women is a cause for concern as it emphasizes the detrimental effects of work-related stress on their physical and mental well-being. Contributing factors to this exhaustion include extended working hours, demanding job requirements, an imbalance between work and personal life, limited opportunities for career growth, and gender-based inequalities ingrained in the system.

Addressing this issue necessitates comprehensive actions such as endorsing flexible work arrangements, cultivating supportive work environments, implementing effective stress management initiatives, and advocating for workplace gender equality. These measures aim to alleviate burnout and enhance the overall welfare of women.

Roughly 20 per cent of women experience health difficulties associated with either menstruation (40 per cent) or menopause (20 per cent). These conditions can have substantial effects on the physical and emotional well-being of women. This underscores the importance of providing adequate support and healthcare resources to cater to their unique needs in these areas.

A notable percentage, approximately 37 per cent, of women with hybrid work arrangements express feelings of exclusion from meetings, decision-making, or informal interactions in the workplace.

Women’s Rights, Financial Security & Other Concerns Still Exist

Women globally and in India share common concerns regarding their rights, financial security, physical and mental health, as well as personal safety in the workplace. Findings by Deloitte say, approximately 60 per cent of Indian women express concerns regarding their rights and financial stability in the workplace

Internationally, 59 per cent of women express concerns about their rights, a figure that aligns with the situation in India. Financial security is another major concern, with 58 per cent of women worldwide and 59 per cent in India expressing worry in this regard. Physical and mental health is a shared concern among 56per cent of women globally and 57 per cent in India. Additionally, personal safety is a significant concern for 54 per cent of women, highlighting the need for measures to ensure a safe and secure working environment for women both globally and in India.

Facing Unfavourable Work Conditions

A significant number of women, approximately 44 per cent, have encountered harassment or microaggressions in their workplaces within the past year. This troubling statistic highlights the prevalence of inappropriate behaviours that women often face, which can range from subtle forms of discrimination and verbal slights to more overt instances of harassment. Such experiences have a detrimental impact on women's well-being, job satisfaction, and career progression. It emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to prioritize creating safe and inclusive work environments, implementing robust anti-harassment policies, promoting awareness and education on respectful workplace conduct, and fostering a culture that supports gender equality and respect for all employees.

Long Way for Organizations to Go

A mere 5 per cent of organizations have successfully cultivated inclusive cultures that actively support women and prioritize their mental well-being. This sheds light on the prevailing lack of supportive environments for women in many workplaces. It indicates that the majority of organizations have yet to implement comprehensive measures to address the unique needs and challenges faced by women, both in terms of gender equality and mental well-being support. To rectify this situation, organizations must prioritize diversity and inclusion efforts, establish policies that promote gender equity, provide resources for mental health support, and create a culture that values the well-being and contributions of all employees, particularly women.