How Women Welfare Movements Are Changing the Face of the Workplace?

by Team Iamsafeatwork

31-03-2023

Safety

In the present era, the workplace has changed significantly as a result of women’s welfare initiatives. These campaigns have pushed for a variety of changes that have altered workplace dynamics and evolved opportunities for women. Also, these initiatives also worked to raise awareness of the challenges that women face in the workplace and to avail resources and support to women who are struggling. A survey conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership stated that nearly about 45% percent of individuals in the workplace were women on a scale ranging from 0–100%.

Here are some of the challenges that women face in the workplace:

• Sexual harassment
• Lack of access to leadership positions
• Achievement of equal pay for work of equal value
• Equal representation of women in business and management roles

Is gender barrier a major concern in the workplace?

Gender barriers are still a major concern in the workplace. Women continue to face challenges in terms of equal pay, access to leadership positions, and sexual harassment. There is a considerable gender pay gap between women and men is noticed owing to the women continue to be underrepresented in some industries and professions and too many women find it difficult to manage their career goals with the obligations of their families. Barriers to equal opportunity and workplace practices that fail to encourage a reasonable work-life balance have impeded further progress. According to the Our World Bank in Data Organization, it was estimated that in 2021, the overall female labor force participation rate accounted for approximately 46.3% across the globe. However, the figure is spurring compared to the past decades. Despite this evolution, it is recorded that numerous women are still unable to achieve their goals. Workplace gender equality is only achieved when both genders equally access and enjoy their resources, rewards, and opportunities. Accordingly, various companies, international organizations, governments, and public-sector agencies are taking a number of initiatives in order to overcome the gender inequality factor in their organizations and cut the inequalities faced by women in the workforce. For instance, Unilever- a British multinational consumer goods company stated their longest-running programmes that are emphasizing gender balance and leadership, which facilitates the company to accomplish the objective of gender balance at the management level in 2019 and 2020. Additionally, the company reported that women represented 54% of total management employees in 2022 and at most senior level, the Unilever Leadership Executive (ULE), women comprised 23% in 2022, while at the senior management level 31% were involved women. Consequentially, women encompass 36% of the company’s total workforce of 148,000 at the end of 2022. It is imperative to consider how influential figures in the business sector may put into practice laws that support a future of work that is decent by design and is based on real and substantial gender equality.

There are a variety of actions that can be taken to alleviate gender disparities in the workplace. These consist of:

• Adopting laws that support gender equality, such as dealing with maternity leave, fair pay, and sexual harassment.
• Offering training on unconscious bias; This could assist staff members in becoming more conscious of their own biases and in making decisions that are more inclusive.
• Fostering an inclusive culture, which can entail encouraging respect in the workplace and recognizing differences.

Why the sexual harassment is imposing a threat to women in the workplace?

Whether in a developed country, a developing country, or an underdeveloped country, sexual harassment in the workplace is a global issue. Atrocities and cruelties against women are pervasive worldwide. It is an issue that has an adverse impact on both men and women. “Sexual harassment” is frequently open to various interpretations it includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment. As per the International Labor Organization report as of 2022, globally, 17.9% of employed men and women claimed to have encountered psychological abuse and harassment at work, while 8.5 percent had dealt with physical abuse and harassment, with more men than women performing. 6.3% of respondents said they had experienced sexual violence and harassment, with women being more vulnerable. Being the most vulnerable group in society today, women are seen to be the ones who experience it more frequently. Because of this, sexual harassment is a big issue in the workplace and is now one of those topics that draw a lot of negative attention. Accordingly, female welfare movements have shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Various nations have laws and policies in place to address sexual harassment at work, these laws range in their reach and the protections they offer, but in general they define sexual harassment, explain the obligations of employers, and give victims channels to seek redress. It is critical that both employers and employees are aware of the pertinent laws and their responsibilities. Consequentially, organizations must establish a secure setting where sexual harassment events can be reported. Employers should set up accessible, private reporting channels and make sure that employees feel safe from reprisal when they report something. Following the filing of a report, an immediate, unbiased inquiry should be carried out to evaluate the claims and determine the best course of action.

Additionally, through campaigns like the #MeToo movement, they have empowered women to speak out against harassment and abuse, resulting in increased awareness, accountability, and changes in organizational policies to prevent such misconduct.

It is said that “the welfare of women is the welfare of society, when women are healthy, educated, and empowered, they are better able to contribute to their families, communities, and economies.” Women’s welfare movements will continue to fight for equal pay, access to healthcare, and education for women. They will also continue to raise awareness of the challenges that women face in the workplace and provides resources and support to women, which assist in changing the various aspect of the workplace.