CEO , Fartal Pharmaceuticals , Edyra Educational Consultants
With the rise of women pursuing higher education, it’s crucial to fully utilize their skills and talents rather than confining them to traditional roles. If a country invests in educating women but then restricts their professional opportunities, it is indeed a wasted resource. Encouraging women to apply their education in professional fields not only benefits them but also enhances the overall progress and development of society.
Women holding a professional degree but not working is a complex issue with deep-rooted cultural, societal, and economic dimensions. some of them are ;
1. Societal Issues where traditional gender roles and expectations can restrict women’s participation in the workforce, even if they are highly educated.
In our country Pakistan, women often face societal pressure to prioritize family responsibilities over careers. Although there is a growing number of educated women, many do not enter the workforce or face significant barriers in progressing in their careers. Additionally, cultural expectations regarding marriage and childcare often discourage women from continuing to work.
2. Men and Independent Women and Women with Subdued Voices and Traditional Husbands
What happens is, a man with a strong and stable mentality can get along well with an independent and self- sufficient wife, even if she earns her own income. However, if a man has a fragile ego and earns less, he might struggle to accept his wife’s independence, leading to conflicts. On the other hand, a man who earns well and supports the family might prefer a more submissive wife who doesn’t voice her opinions much. This dynamic can make it easier for him to assert his authority and satisfy his need for attention and control.
3. The Gender Pay Gap
The issue of unequal pay for men and women, even when they have the same qualifications and job roles, is a significant problem in many parts of the world, including South Asia and specifically in Pakistan. This gender pay gap can result from various factors, including discrimination, differences in negotiation strategies, and occupational segregation (where men and women are funneled into different types of jobs, with typically male-dominated fields being higher paid).
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Here are few thoughts I can share that some potential steps that governments and institutions could take to address this issue:
1. Positive changes in Cultural Norms:
Cultural attitudes toward gender roles often change slowly, but awareness campaigns and education can help shift perceptions. Highlighting successful women in various professions, including those in STEM and animal sciences, can inspire others and demonstrate the benefits of gender diversity in the workplace.
2. Public Awareness and Education Campaigns:
- Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Launch campaigns to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and promote the idea that both men and women can and should participate in the workforce, because most of the men in our society have preconceived ideas and expectations about how the other gender must behave, think or present themselves.
- Highlighting Benefits: Educate the public on the economic and social benefits of women participating in the workforce, including increased family income and greater economic growth.
3. Providing support systems
Providing support system like childcare, family leave policies, and flexible work arrangements can help women balance career and family responsibilities. This is especially important in fields that require long hours or fieldwork, such as veterinary medicine and animal sciences.
4. Legislation and Policy Changes:
- Anti-Discrimination Laws: Implement and enforce laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender in the workplace. This includes ensuring that women have equal opportunities for employment and advancement.
- Maternity and Paternity Leave: Introduce or strengthen policies that support both maternity and paternity leave, encouraging a more balanced sharing of family responsibilities.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Promote policies that allow for flexible working hours and remote work options, which can help women balance work and family life.
- Legal and Policy Measures: Governments and institutions can implement policies that encourage gender equality in education and employment. This might include anti-discrimination laws, incentives for companies to hire women, and programs to support women returning to work after maternity leave.
- Creating Safe Work Environments: Ensure workplaces are safe and supportive for women, including implementing strict policies against harassment and discrimination.
5. Promoting Economic Arguments:
Highlighting the economic benefits of a diverse workforce and the loss incurred when qualified women are not active in the job market can be a powerful argument. When women are not participating in the workforce, it not only wastes educational resources but also limits economic growth and innovation.
6. Addressing the Gender Pay Gap
To address this issue, several steps can be taken:
Legislation and Policy
- Equal Pay Laws: Governments can implement and enforce strict equal pay legislation, requiring employers to provide equal pay for equal work. This includes making it illegal to pay someone less based on their gender.
7. Legal and Social Support for Women’s Rights:
i. Legal Support: Strengthen legal support systems to protect women’s rights in cases of domestic or social pressure that restricts their freedom to work.
ii. Community Support Networks: Establish support networks for women, including legal aid, counseling services, and support groups.
iii. Promoting Women in Leadership: Encouraging the promotion of women into leadership and decision- making roles can help create more equitable organizational cultures.
8. Support for Women’s Negotiation Skills:
i. Providing training for women to improve their negotiation skills can help them advocate more effectively for fair compensation.
ii. Mentorship Programs: Mentorship programs can provide women with guidance and support in navigating career advancement and salary negotiations
Utilizing the full potential of educated women can drive innovation, economic growth, and social advancement. It benefits the women in different ways. When women apply their knowledge and skills in professional roles, they contribute to economic growth, drive innovation, and enhance productivity across various sectors. This not only improves family incomes but also promotes gender equality and social justice. Educated women serve as role models, inspiring future generations and breaking down outdated stereotypes. By empowering women to pursue careers and leadership positions, societies can tap into a broader talent pool, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment that benefits everyone.