Discrimination in employment

Source: The post discrimination in employment has been created, based on the article “Foxconn and married women: Dear men, what did your wives give up so that you could shine at work?” published in “Indian express” on 29th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-social justice and GS paper3- Employment

Context: The article discusses discrimination against married women in employment, particularly at Foxconn, where they are not hired due to assumed family and pregnancy commitments. It criticizes societal expectations that limit women’s careers and calls for policy changes and better support systems to enable true workplace equality.

For detailed information on Challenges Of Female Labour Force Participation (LFP) read this article here

Why do women face discrimination in employment?

1. Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Companies like Foxconn reportedly avoid hiring married women due to concerns about their family responsibilities, potential pregnancies, and perceived higher absenteeism, which unfairly assumes they are less dedicated to their jobs.
2. Societal Expectations: There’s a prevalent bias that women are more focused on family duties. Examples include criticisms of women bosses who are perceived as not inspiring because they prioritize family, which can affect their professional opportunities and advancements.
3. Inequitable Workload: Women often manage both professional roles and domestic responsibilities. Despite their ability to multitask, they are not given the same opportunities for career advancement or compensation as men, who are typically freer to pursue professional growth without the same level of domestic distraction.

What should be done to address these issues?

1. Implement Comprehensive Training Programs: Educate men about sharing domestic responsibilities equally, so women can have more opportunities to focus on their careers, similar to their male counterparts.
2. Enforce and Strengthen Discrimination Laws: Strengthen existing laws like the Equal Remuneration Act, making them more comprehensive and closing loopholes that allow discrimination in hiring practices.
3. Create Supportive Workplace Policies: Introduce policies such as flexible working hours, onsite childcare facilities, and safe accommodation to help women balance work and family life more effectively.
4. Establish Paternity Leave: Advocate for comparable-length paternity leaves to encourage shared parental responsibilities, allowing women to return to their careers with less strain postpartum.

For detailed information on Supreme Court’s decision on women’s employment read this article here

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by married women in employment and suggest potential solutions to promote workplace equality.