Gender stereotypes impel women to spend 2 to 10 times more time on unpaid household work than men

Gender Stereotypes and Their Outcome

Women are globally participating in paid wage and self-employment but the social dynamics prevailing for decades compel unequal distribution of household work, especially in the Indian social construct. 

There is a misestimation of the importance of the well-being of the family which is highly dependent on female members at home resulting in a higher burden and lowered self-realization among women in Indian social dynamics.

Household work and childcare responsibilities are so strongly embedded with women’s gender in our Indian construct that it becomes no big deal to fulfill those responsibilities. Things that are socially embedded in any nation are a result of years-old practice and perception that flows from generation to generation. Things change with time but ideologies are difficult to be altered in families and communities. 

Gender inequality creates a double burden on women in Indian families. Childcare, elder care, and household work are inevitable parts of women's lives. 

Why female workforce participation is low?

  • A strong inherent bias towards hiring males prevails deep down.
  • Fear of maternal, caregiving, and similar interruptions in hiring female workforce.
  • Resistance in male colleagues towards women in senior leadership positions.
  • Lack of strong examples or role models to provide guidance.
  • Elevated household responsibilities creating a mindset of demanding personal life and low focus on career.
  • Lack of encouragement, opportunity, and unsaid misogyny.


Impact of gender stereotype on Women:

  •  Quiet quitting
  • Settling for less competent jobs and work roles
  • Doing higher soft work at the workplace such as arranging parties, coordinating, in-group communicating, etc.

According to Mental Health Report by WHO 2017, Women are more likely to suffer from the prevalence of major depression due to a lack of autonomy and control over their life. (https://sundmand.dk/MF%20Bravo%20.Gender%20and%20Mental%20Health.pdf )


What to do then?

We

  • need to engross inclusivity, equality, and freedom.
  • need to engage in online professional communities, and forums for women 
  • need to stop considering Normal gender bias at home, extended family, society, and workplace. 
  • need to focus on our strengths and showcase them in the best possible way.  





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