GENDER DISPARITY IN WORKPLACE – BREAKING BARRIERS AND BUILDING BRIDGES

Abstract

Equal access to employment is crucial both from the perspective of global economic growth and empowerment of women. Gender equality in workplace can promote more female engagement and retention in the workforce. Further it makes it easier for them to obtain important managerial positions and develop their own businesses. However, women are likely to face discrimination at all levels of career, making it extremely challenging for them to break the glass ceiling. In spite of significant improvement over years and having legal protection in place, women still continue to be underrepresented in top management roles and senior positions. Examining the variety of activities that women do in course of their work with a focus on the representation of women in managerial jobs is the primary objective of this study. The paper tries to analyse the lower representation of women in managerial roles and leadership positions in India by focussing on the differences in parameters related to workplace such as access of women to get employed in similar manner like a man without any discrimination based on the nature and timings of the job along with existing legal sanctions or civil remedies for workplace sexual harassment. Finally, the paper tries to put forward certain suggestions with the aim of increasing female representation in top management positions.