Family Roles Posing Challenges for Women Leaders in India

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed an increased number of women participating in the workforce in many spheres of India’s society. Yet, Indian women largely remain underrepresented in senior management and leadership positions. This can be attributed to existing patriarchal beliefs and other socio-cultural barriers that have led to struggles for Indian women to set themselves free from the challenges associated with gender stereotypic roles. Despite these obstacles, modern India is showcasing an expanding middle class and increased service sector jobs, gradually influencing the mindset of people. Due to the availability of higher paying information technology (IT) jobs for educated women employees, men are coming forward and the burden of handling household and childcare activities for Indian women is being reduced. Organizations are also making dedicated efforts to break the shackles of gendered family roles by implementing progressive human resource development (HRD) practices. India is slowly but steadily moving toward a gender-neutral culture and aspiring to strike the right chord between the personal and professional lives of Indian men and women.