As we’re all aware, the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown have forced a large number of women out of the workforce. A lot of it can be attributed to the double burden that women had to take on during the pandemic and with offices reopening after the lockdown, most of us had to bid adieu to the ease of working from home which led to a large number of women leaving the workforce. Apart from this, there is gender pay gap, stereotypes, casual sexism and several other problems that women face at work. It’s 2023 and it’s time to change how things work in this world to empower and uplift women in the workforce. We will never be able to create a better or more equal world without companies contributing towards uplifting women. But how can companies empower female employees? Here are some steps that we think organisations can take to empower the women in workforce.
1. Equal Opportunities
There is no way to uplift women without giving them equal opportunities. This means that employers must not only have a non-discriminatory hiring policy but also provide them equal opportunities to grow at work in terms of promotions, training programmes, networking programmes, events, etc. Women must be celebrated just as much as their male counterparts.
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2. Break Gender Stereotypes
Patriarchy has conditioned us to conform to gender norms and stereotypes. We’re all quick to question the capabilities of women in male-dominated industries. Apart from that, it’s not uncommon for companies to have outdated ideas about how men and women should behave and dress at work. But all this needs to change and employers need to not just challenge but also break gender stereotypes and bring an era of change.
3. Equal Pay
As per Forbes, on average, women earned 17% less than men in 2022. The ever-widening gender pay gap needs to reduce and allow women to earn just as much as their male counterparts in the same roles. This goes without saying that equal pay is essential to empower women in the workforce and encourage more women to join the workforce.
4. Women In Leadership Roles
Despite being nearly 50% of the population, only 36% of women are in leadership roles in India, as per Grant Thornton’s International Business Report. We need more women in leadership roles and in boardrooms to create a balance.
5. Menstural Leaves And Maternity Benefits
While many organisations take into consideration women’s biological needs and provide them with things like menstrual leaves and maternity benefits, there are also companies that tend to avoid hiring women due to the benefits they may have to provide them due to their biological needs. This thinking MUST change. It’s time companies not only empathise with women but hire women and provide them with adequate maternity benefits as well as menstrual leaves because periods are debilitating.
6. Flexible Working Conditions
We’re all aware of how patriarchy and gender roles have forced women to deal with the double burden and travelling to their workplace is yet another thing that forces them to rethink their position in the workforce. Providing flexible working hours and conditions with an option to work from home without any prejudice will not only encourage women to continue working but also make them more productive.
7. Safe Working Environment
Everyone in the workforce must be sensitised about casual sexism and gender biases in order to avoid creating a hostile working environment that isn’t inclusive. Apart from this, there needs to be safe and clean workspace, bathrooms, sanitation as well as secure pick-up and drop for women depending on their work shifts and locations to make them feel safe.
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8. Strict Policies Against Sexual Harassment
Apart from having a POSH committee, every workplace must have a strict non-tolerance policy against casual sexism, sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Women must not only feel safe but also protected and comfortable in their workplaces.
9. Provide Resources
From mental health to communication to financial aid, women must have access to all kinds of resources to deal with anything and everything at work. Emotional support, stress management sessions, healthcare policies, and loan facilities are some things that can put female employees at ease and make them more productive which eventually benefits the company.
10. Train And Mentor Women
Training and mentoring women to make help them communicate their career goals, speak up at their workplace and do their jobs better is a great way to uplift women in the workforce. Educating and training them to do their jobs via seminars, workshops and mentorship programmes can also broaden their horizons making them more successful and better at what they do.
Having said that, there’s one more important thing that all employers must keep in mind. This support and benefits must also be extended to the other employees like the cleaners and helpers in the office space.