Double Challenges of Working Women
Women currently face a double challenge in the workplace. On one hand, they must be able to compete with men while also still dealing with the traditional gender stereotyping that follows them into the workforce, making them twice as likely to be passed over and be faced with a “glass ceiling.” On the other hand, they are equally expected to be taking on the traditional gender roles of wife and mother at the same time.
The challenge faced by women in the workforce is most obvious in those workplace settings where men have traditionally been the majority. Despite decades of strides and improving statistics regarding the rate of women’s workforce participation, the reality of the workplace is that many working women are facing a gender gap that continues to decrease their pay rating, benefits and overall opportunities for advancement in comparison to their male counterparts.
This notion that the gender gap is still in existence is further demonstrated by how women today must juggle the expectations of two worlds. Women are expected to “have it all,” which implies that they must be competent professionals in the workplace, but also pursue their traditional gender-roles as wives or mothers. Although it is a challenge, many women successfully balance both roles without having to compromise one or the other.
These expectations are unfair yet difficult to overcome. Studies have suggested that when women are expected to take on both family and workplace roles, they become more stressed due to the demands of both responsibilities. There is an assumption that women will put their family role before their professional one, though this isn’t always true. Ultimately, this takes away the sense of autonomy and competence that women gain from their professional contributions and leaves them feeling like they are constantly sacrificing one role for the other.
Working women also face specific challenges in terms of leadership and promotion. Despite continuous campaigns to promote female leadership and mentorship, traditional gender roles remain sources of deep-rooted assumptions that continue to give access to men into positions of authority, power, and influence. Women occupying the same positions of leadership are expected to meet higher standards and are often subject to harsher criticism when compared to their male peers. This creates a barrier that prevent many women from pursuing leadership positions, much less excelling in them.
Finally, many women face constant gender stereotyping in the workplace. There is a persistent suggestion that women are not as competent or capable as men, even when they have proven this to be untrue. This can come in the form of sexualization or objectification, or outright disrespect. Furthermore, the importance of a woman’s physical appearance is often exaggerated, which can create a double standard in how a female professional is judged in comparison to her male counterparts.
The current challenges faced by working women can be particularly difficult and difficult to overcome. Despite years of progress in eliminating the gender gap, many female professionals are still facing the double challenge of having to fulfill both traditional gender roles in the workplace. This can create specific pressures, such as lack of advancement or negative treatment from peers, that can be difficult to combat.
At the same time, there are many steps that women can take to try and combat the challenges they face. These include engaging in more assertive behaviors and networking, fighting against the persistent gender stereotypes, and making sure that their voices are heard in the workplace. These efforts, combined with continued progress in eliminating the gender gap, can lead to a better, more equal environment in the workplace for all.
