WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN THE CORPORATE WORLD. - N.

Sudheer Kumar

Today demand for talent is enormously growing across all sectors in the world. Organizations are trying to hire the best talent, irrespective of the gender. Women have significantly made their presence felt in every area.

Opportunities for Women in the Current Scenario

As a result of globalization, Indian Business schools are striving to meet the rising demands from various corporate sectors. These demands are constantly increasing and so are the salary trends. Naturally there is an increase in the participation of women in corporate India.

Diversity in Woman education

The percentage of women enrolling for primary, secondary and higher education is increasing. The rise in number of girls in primary education during the 1980s led to the increase in number in higher education in the 1990s and in the new millennium. Hence, there are a higher percentage of qualified women talent available and many in the pipeline.

IT AND ITES as growing Sectors

The remarkable growth in the IT and ITES sectors offer multiple jobs opportunities for women. The new back office jobs in ITES sectors have come up with plenty of opportunities, especially for women as they need dedicated, committed and stable staff. This work atmosphere very suitable for women.

Change in Society Norms

People are becoming more receptive to women and encouraging them to grow as professionals . Girls are getting greater exposure to technical and vocational education and becoming professionals even in unconventional jobs like aviation, military, navy, marketing etc Women are more confident & comfortable with the outside world as compared to the past and are less hesitant to take up travelling jobs or late night shifts.

Women are breaking the glass ceilings A positive sign

To attract competent and talented work force, large organizations are trying to create a positive and conductive work environment for women to work effectively and enthusiastically. Gender equality have led to better opportunities for women in creating friendly work environments. Most HR professionals feel that women are more committed and organized And thus more preferable

Innovative Job options and Flexi timings

Innovative jobs are being created. Flexi timings or work from home options attracting women who have family responsibilities In developed countries like UK,USA and Japan many young mothers work from home Microsoft and a few other companies are slowly starting to provide these benefits to their employees.

IMPACT ON THE INDIAN ECONOMY

(a) Improvement in family Incomes

Increase in women employment a rise in the total family income & automatically, the standard of living is also improved. Household items considered luxury earlier are today found more commonly. E.g.-Mobile phones, small cars etc

(b) Increase in spending on luxury articles

Women either married or single are earning and spending on themselves or household articles. The personal heath care industry has particularly benefitted because of the financial independence of women. Swiss watches, designer suits are all finding buyers now.

(c ) Increase in Consumer Loans Facility

Compared to men, women are found to be less likely to make default on bank loans. The trend of taking loans has increased more from women due to good careers and financial freedom. Hence they are ready to take loans for cars, houses, computers etc.

(d) Increased Demand for Other Segments

Now there is a larger demand for derived services like small domestic works, house help, baby-sitters and tutors for children, maids, watchmen, drivers etc. To meet all these requirements there are agencies in training and providing housemaids too. Eating out and the leisure industry has seen an upswing..

THE CHALLENGES TO BE HANDLED

(a) Balancing Work, Life and family

She is required to balance her family life with professional life. Though the current Indian Society is familiar with all important state of affairs of working women ,there is still a long way to go. Most working women today return home in the evening for their second shift of household labor (cooking, cleaning vessels, bringing up childrenetc) They feel tired and invite stress

(b)The Problem of glass ceiling

The problem more pronounced in the culture of our country which has for long been a male dominated society. Even now men have some reservations in reporting to female bosses. To assess the personality and talent of an individual, Competency should matter more than gender.

(c) Sexual Harassment

One of the most evil and brutal facts observed in the work place. Many cases are reported all around the world. In our country such cases are still not open due to the fear of society. As a result ,women face trauma and finally quit their job due to frustration. Organizations must be proactive and vigilant in nature and reported cases must be considered seriously to discourage such behaviors.

(d)Recognition and Respect for women

Women in their careers frequently do not get suitable recognition & respect. In inescapable situations, reasons often cited are : Too emotional Not effective decision makers Less committed

 Obviously there are lesser no: of women among the top level management. According to the survey report of fortune 1000 companies, a total of 24 companies have women in the top positions. This is noted as a down trend compared to last year, when there were 25 companies of fortune 1000 companies run by women.

THE ROLE OF CORPORATE

The growth of women employability in the corporate world is considered a positive trend. Companies more optimistic to obtain women for higher positions now.

Advantages of having women in their work force.

Women are more loyal and stable and committed to the organization. Women are more mature emotionally and are able to deal with interpersonal issues and sensitive matters better than men. Women are superior in managing time with multiple roles and expectations effectively. Women employees in substantial numbers is always advantageous in finding the organization more meritocratic and egalitarian.

Conclusion
In India, women have come a long way from where they lived only for the welfare of their family life. Today, women have achieved extraordinary milestones in corporate and other important fields like space and rocket science, oceanography, engineering and manufacturing sectors, etc. However still there is a long way to go..