Discuss the problems of working women in India.

Economic Challenges

Working women in India face significant economic hurdles that limit their opportunities and earning potential.

• Wage Discrimination: Despite equal qualifications, women often earn less than men for the same work. The gender pay gap in India is estimated to be around 19% (World Economic Forum, 2023 – knowledge cutoff).
• Limited Access to Finance: Women entrepreneurs often struggle to access credit and financial resources, hindering their ability to start and scale businesses.
• Informal Sector Dominance: A large proportion of working women are employed in the informal sector, characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and lack of social security benefits. Approximately 90% of women workers are in the informal sector (National Sample Survey Office, 2019-20).
• Lack of Skill Development: Insufficient access to quality education and skill development programs limits women's ability to compete for higher-paying jobs.

Social and Cultural Challenges

Deeply rooted patriarchal norms and societal expectations pose significant barriers to women's employment.

• The ‘Double Burden’: Women are often expected to shoulder the primary responsibility for household chores and childcare, in addition to their paid work, leading to exhaustion and limited career advancement.
• Social Stigma: In some communities, there is a social stigma associated with women working outside the home, particularly for married women.
• Mobility Restrictions: Cultural norms often restrict women's mobility, limiting their access to employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.
• Safety Concerns: Concerns about safety and harassment, both in the workplace and during commuting, deter many women from seeking employment.

Legal and Institutional Challenges

While India has enacted laws to protect women's rights, their implementation remains a challenge.

• Inadequate Childcare Facilities: The lack of affordable and accessible childcare facilities forces many women to choose between their careers and their families. The National Crèche Scheme (2017) aims to provide childcare facilities, but coverage remains limited.
• Sexual Harassment at Workplace: Despite the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, instances of harassment continue to be reported, and many women are reluctant to report due to fear of retaliation.
• Maternity Benefits: While the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, increased maternity leave to 26 weeks, concerns remain about its impact on women's employability.
• Lack of Representation in Leadership Positions: Women are underrepresented in leadership positions across various sectors, limiting their influence and decision-making power.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing challenges for working women.

• Job Losses: Women were disproportionately affected by job losses during the pandemic, particularly in the informal sector.
• Increased Domestic Workload: Lockdowns led to an increase in domestic work, further burdening women.
• Digital Divide: Limited access to technology and digital skills hindered women's ability to work remotely.