Women still face numerous Challenges in the Workplace

 

Women still face numerous Challenges in the Workplace. The playing field is still not level.

One of the biggest challenges women face in the workplace isn’t just the glass ceiling—it’s the invisible walls that restrict access to opportunities, decision-making spaces, and career-defining moments.

🔹 The Unconscious Bias – Assumptions about their leadership styles, competence, career ambitions, employment continuity etc still shape hiring, promotions, and assignment of high-impact projects/roles.

🔹 The Networking Gap – Key decisions happen in rooms where women are often underrepresented. If you’re not in the right circles, you’re missing out on influence and advocacy. And the access to those right circles is also often limited.

🔹 The Double Standard Dilemma – Assertiveness in men is seen as leadership. In women? Often misinterpreted as aggression or being “too much.”. But if they are not assertive enough, then they are not fit for leadership either.

It's like a chicken and egg situation while stuck between a rock and a hard place.

There is too much that needs to be done. Here are just 3 of 100s.

1. "Mentorship" and "Sponsorship" – Women need mentoring from other successful Women, as well as Men. To my surprise, I have heard it often that many a time, its the other women who lay out the roadblocks in women's progress and rise in the workplace. And I have also seen many women championing actively for women at the workplace and even running initiatives that encourage women entrepreneurs etc. We need women in power to advocate and actively champion the growth of other women. We want these women to mentor others too. Men also welcome!

2. Normalize Leadership in Diverse Styles – The expectation that leadership should look or sound a certain way must evolve. Results, not outdated stereotypes, should define leadership. Period.

3. Intentional Inclusion in Decision-Making – Organizations must be deliberate in ensuring women have a seat at the table—and not just a token presence, but real influence. While many organizations have been forced to include Women in Leadership, in some cases, it is out of regulatory or market/optics pressure and the women do not get to wield their power or influence. MEN in those circles need to change that and provide space for the women to shine through.

The issues are systemic and the solutions will take time to work. The conversations need to begin with a genuine honest intention behind them. If companies want to unlock their full potential, removing these barriers isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business critical for them.

👉 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve seen (or faced) in this space? Let’s talk.

If you are wondering what am I doing; well, I will be conducting 5 workshops next week during the Women's Day Weekend. Watch out for more info.

#Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceEquality #BreakingBarriers