Hindu Editorial Analysis : 28-September-2024

The tragic deaths of two young female workers have highlighted a pressing issue: the need to address workplace stress and toxicity. These incidents serve as a wake-up call to prioritize employee well-being, especially for women who are increasingly entering the workforce.

About the Women Workforce in India

The participation of women in the workforce is a key indicator of a country’s economic and social progress. In India, research shows:

  • Worker Population Ratio: The estimated Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women aged 15 years and above was 28.7% in 2019-20, which rose to 32.8% in 2021-22 according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
  • Global Comparison: Despite this increase, the rate remains lower than the global average of 47% and significantly lower than countries like China (60%) and neighboring South Asian nations such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Opportunities for Women in the Job Market

Career opportunities for women in India are expanding, despite past declines:

  • Emerging Sectors: The gig and platform economy offers flexibility and many freelancing jobs where women form a large segment.
  • Healthcare and Education: Women represent a significant portion of healthcare workers, especially nurses and midwives, and are also prevalent in the education sector.
The Role of Education

Higher education plays a crucial role in women’s participation in the workforce. Experts argue that improving women’s educational opportunities will significantly increase their labour market participation.

Analyzing Key Concerns

Health Concerns
  • Cardiovascular Diseases: India has the highest contribution to CVD deaths among 15-49-year-olds since 1997, often linked to stress.
Employment Patterns
  • Shifts from Agriculture to Services: While agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, it contributes only 16% to Gross Value Added (GVA). The services sector employs 31% but accounts for over 54% of GVA.
Skill Development Gap

India’s skilled workforce is only 4.69%, compared to 24% in China and 52% in the US. Initiatives like ‘Skill India’ aim to close this gap.

Gender Equality and Inclusion

Women face significant disparities in pay, representation, and work-life balance. Companies must actively promote diversity and equal opportunities.

Other Challenges

Societal Norms and Expectations

Patriarchal norms often limit women’s roles, confining them to low-paying jobs and household responsibilities.

Lack of Equal Opportunities

Women encounter barriers to accessing high-paying jobs and leadership positions, with a gender pay gap of approximately 20%.

Career Gaps and Rejoining the Workforce

Many women struggle to return to work after breaks for childbirth or caregiving, facing difficulties overcoming these gaps.

Barriers in Leadership

Unconscious biases often favor men for leadership roles, making it challenging for women to advance.

Work-Life Balance

Women frequently juggle caregiving roles, leading to difficulties achieving a balance between work and home life.

Key Suggestions

To foster a healthier work environment for women, consider the following recommendations from UN Women:

  • Workplace Flexibility: Implement flexible working arrangements like remote work and job-sharing to help employees balance their personal and professional lives.
  • Family-Friendly Policies: Introduce equal parental leave and childcare support to address caregiving responsibilities that extend beyond gender.
  • Standards of Conduct: Ensure a safe and respectful workplace by actively combating discrimination and bias, fostering a culture of equality.

Why In News

The recent tragic deaths of two young female workers underscore the critical importance of addressing workplace stress and toxicity. These devastating incidents highlight the urgent need to create an environment that prioritizes employee well-being, fostering a culture where all workers feel safe, valued, and supported in their roles.

MCQs about Addressing Workplace Stress and Toxicity for Women in India

  1. What was the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women aged 15 years and above in India in 2019-20?
    A. 28.7%
    B. 32.8%
    C. 47%
    D. 19.2%
    Correct Answer: A. 28.7%
    Explanation: The estimated WPR for women aged 15 years and above was 28.7% in 2019-20, as stated in the essay.
  2. Which sector has seen a significant shift in employment patterns in India, employing a growing number of workers?
    A. Agriculture
    B. Manufacturing
    C. Services
    D. Construction
    Correct Answer: C. Services
    Explanation: While agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, the services sector employs 31% but accounts for over 54% of the Gross Value Added (GVA), reflecting a shift towards this sector.
  3. What is one of the key challenges women face in rejoining the workforce after taking a break?
    A. Lack of interest in working
    B. Career gaps due to childbirth or caregiving
    C. Unemployment rates
    D. Insufficient education
    Correct Answer: B. Career gaps due to childbirth or caregiving
    Explanation: Many women struggle to return to work after breaks for childbirth or caregiving, making it difficult for them to overcome career gaps.
  4. According to UN Women’s guidelines, what is one of the recommended practices to create a healthier work environment?
    A. Limited working hours
    B. Workplace flexibility
    C. Mandatory overtime
    D. Traditional workplace settings
    Correct Answer: B. Workplace flexibility
    Explanation: The essay mentions that implementing flexible working arrangements, such as remote work and job-sharing, can help employees balance their personal and professional lives, fostering a more supportive environment.

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