Organisations should become more flexible
Women are educated, confident and smart. They work very well, and can handle even the toughest of jobs. But then, what is stopping them from attaining toplevel jobs? The main reason why women refrain from taking up these positions is that they have the additional responsibility of motherhood. Providing solid solutions for their worries would make it easier for women to leave their homes and come to work. The private sectors can make sure they provide facilities to help working women, such as flexible timings or a daycare service, so that they can work without worrying about their children. The private sectors can ensure peace of mind for women, so that they are ready to take on challenges and higher responsibilities whenever given an opportunity. Social empowerment of the women is important for them to progress. The government can make policies for this, like giving them a full-paid sabbatical, which will stop women from quitting their jobs or losing their professional position. The private sectors, at the grassroots level, can make girls more confident by providing them the best facilities. All these will not only help the better representation of women in top jobs, but it will also ensure greater progress of India as a country. Even though the representation of women in executive-level positions has increased in India over the past decade, a recent survey revealed that only 7% of the senior management roles in India were held by women. There are large gender gaps between entry-level jobs and top executive positions. Women face additional challenges like “balancing work and family” along their way. So, though the gender gap is not prominent in the lower level of the corporate ladder, women chose to opt out as they get to the top level. Family responsibilities forced them to do so. Another challenge women face is that they are not supported properly when they return after a hiatus. So, to support the greater representation of women on boards and in toplevel jobs, both the government and private sector should take appropriate measures, such as implementing an ‘equal-pay programme’ to decrease the average pay gap between men and women. Why is it such a big deal to see a woman at the top in a workplace? A study by the research company, Catalyst, found that Fortune 500 companies that have more female directors achieved significantly higher financial performances. Psychological studies have repeatedly shown that women make great CEOS. So ability is obviously not the problem. A global study ranked India fifth lowest in representation of women in top-level jobs. Is it because interview panels are full of men or is it because women are challenged by motherhood and parental responsibilities? Or is it because organisations do not create a suitable environment for them? These problems are easy to solve, if there is a will to do so. This can be done by recruiting more women, giving them equal pay, having creches and daycare facilities in offices, and having more women in managing boards. The bigger problem, however, concerns the one of mindset. We all need to truly believe in the ability of women.