Gender Divide

What is meant by gender divide?

Gender divide, in the context of a workplace, refers to the disparity or inequality between men and women in terms of opportunities, treatment, and outcomes in employment. It is a critical issue that affects organizational effectiveness and employee morale. In spite of numerous laws that encourage and incentivise gender equality in the workplace, the gender divide still persists in several places.

Common areas where the gender divide is seen

Gender divide appears in different forms varying in degree, nature and gravity. Here are some of the common forms of their manifestation in different contexts.

• Pay and compensation
• Job assignments and promotions
• Career advancement opportunities
• Leadership representation
• Access to resources and training
• Workplace policies and benefits

Common factors leading to gender divide

Reports point out several factors as causing gender divide in workplaces. From unconscious biases of individuals to institutional discrimination embedded within human resources (HR) practices, it is exacerbated by several systemic, cultural, and societal factors. Below find the common ones.

• Societal and Cultural Factors

• Stereotypes and Biases: Societal expectations and preconceived notions about genders can influence various HR practices like hiring, promotions, job assignments etc., causing unequal treatment.

• Traditional Gender Roles: Conventional and rigid expectations of men's and women's roles in society are a major reason for their limited career choices, especially for women and their work-life balance, and leadership aspirations.

• Cultural Norms and Expectations: Workplace cultures that give priority to masculine traits can result in the marginalization of women and create barriers to their career advancement.

• Workplace Factors

• Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Qualified women may be excluded as a result of biased recruitment and hiring processes extending the gender divide.

• Unequal Pay and Compensation: Women in many workplaces receive lower salaries, bonuses, and benefits as compared to their male counterparts for equally challenging roles.

• Limited Career Advancement: In places where when women are offered fewer opportunities for promotions, training, and mentorship, the gender divide may be seen more pronounced.

• Sexism and Harassment: Hostile work environments and sexist behaviours are reported to be prevalent in several workplaces harming women's well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction.

• Organisational Policies

• Sometimes, organizational policies can intensify the gender divide. This happens in organizations where women are given insufficient family leave, biased performance evaluations, and limited professional development opportunities.

Individual Factors

• Personal Biases and Limitations: Unconscious biases, lack of self-confidence, and caregiving responsibilities can further affect women's career prospects and lead to a gender divide.