WOMEN NEED EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO FLOURISH PROFESSIONALLY

The views expressed in Why working mothers

are discriminated against (KT, November 4) are relatable to a large extent as most working women face such challenges and work-related biases that hinder their career growth. Motherhood penalty is prevalent and women are often forced to take a back seat in their careers. The responsibilities of motherhood are considered lack of professionalism even as maternity-related duties become mandatory. Women’s talents are, in fact, equal to men in many sectors such as education and health but they are often ignored and overlooked when it comes to key posts. It is felt that they will not be able to do full justice to their roles since their commitment will be more towards the family.

Though facilities have been provided to strike a work-life balance for women, it is hardly ever implemented. And though laws ensuring equal pay for men and women have been devised they are never put to practice in many sectors. And it is often felt that women are only secondary income earners and hence do not deserve equal pay. Mindset changes are the need of the hour if the true sense of gender ratio and representation are to be maintained in the work environment. Mere increase in the number of working women will not ensure empowerment. This will happen only when women are given equal opportunities to climb the ladder of success, careerwise. — Latha Narasimhan, Sharjah