Only 35 years or so ago, the typical workplace was not the place for a woman. We’ve come a long way since then, of course, but there is a lot of work to do. According to a report by Thomson Reuters and the Rockefeller Foundation, there are still many issues. And, in a survey of more than 9,500 women, there were a few common concerns that came up again and again.
Work-life Balance
Achieving a great work-life balance is not just something that women find difficult, of course. So, it’s encouraging that the number one concern is also shared by their male counterparts. That said, it’s easy to see why women place this as their highest priority. The vast majority of women still play second fiddle to their husbands when it comes to earning power. They are often the parent who is responsible for picking up kids from childcare. Many women suffer from a lack of adequate maternity leave. In fact, a lot of women have to sacrifice caring for their children altogether, as they feel it will affect their prospects at work.
Equal Pay
The argument for equal pay has been around for a long time, and it seems it will be up for discussion for many years to come. Four out of every ten women around the world state equal pay as being their number one problem. Even in the United States, which has some of the narrowest wage gaps in the world, it’s a big issue. 43 percent of working women in the USA think they earn less than a man doing the the same job.
Harassment
Sexual harassment is still a lot more common than most people would deem acceptable. And make no mistake, it can have a significant impact on the victim. According to legal experts from this website, harassment can cause psychological and emotional distress. And, it can also ruin career opportunities. You have rights to protect yourself against harassment, of course. But, speaking out can be difficult in certain scenarios, and many women will avoid upsetting the applecart. If you are experiencing harassment of any kind, it is essential to take it seriously and report it wherever possible. Do not be afraid to go down the legal route.
Career Opportunities
While job opportunities are also on this list, it’s also a sign that things are getting better. Well over half of all women feel positive about their job prospects. However, when it comes to starting a family, those numbers might start to crumble a little on closer inspection.
Starting a Family
Women who live in some of the strongest economies in the world feel concerns about having children and starting a family. They worry about maternity leave and childcare ruining their careers. Countries like Brazil and other emerging regions are a lot more progressive, however. Women from these nations are a lot more optimistic about mixing children and their careers.
Do any of these issues strike a chord with you?
Mia Guerra
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