New World, New Look – Women Empowerment Post Covid

As the world returns to normalcy, offices reopen, and the pandemic recedes, we are faced with the decision of whether to return to work, leaving our homes, children, and other responsibilities behind, or to return with the same motivation.

Women face problems no matter where they go. It’s no surprise that gender equality has taken a significant hit during this pandemic. We are all concerned about the future, but one thing is certain: women are facing several crises, the consequences of which will last long after the pandemic has passed.

Challenges of Today’s

There may be difficulties that women face as they return to the workplace. Let us go over a few of them –

1. Inadequate Childcare – Women are still responsible for household activities such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. The difficulty a woman will face after the offices open is deciding how to leave their child.

2. Fear of Covid-19 Exposure – Because the children have not been vaccinated, there is a concern that they will be exposed if the mothers leave their children in childcare.

3. Lack of flexible and remote work access – There is no remote access given to women who are returning to work, the day care centers are still closed or very expensive after the pandemic, and the women are struggling with where to keep their children if they have to return to work.

What if women leave the workforce? In the worst-case scenario, America could lose over two million female workers. This will exacerbate the situation if we consider the country’s overall growth prospects.

My personal experience has shaped me into the type of woman who describes herself as “strangely, nothing makes me feel tired, fatigued at all.” I’ve gone days and nights without sleeping, and my mind is still in such a positive space that it doesn’t make you feel tired.

Solution to It –

So, what is the solution? How can organizations strengthen their talent pools and improve on-ramps for women returning to work? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Companies must reconsider work norms – Businesses must be deliberate in designing their workforce and begin evaluating every situation. Work-life balance has been a source of concern for all employees since their inception. Having this balance will increase their productivity and motivate them to work harder.
2.  Establish Flexible Working Hours – Flexible working hours are essential, especially for women who must balance additional household responsibilities at home. There should be the option of remote working days during the week. This would not only benefit women’s personal development but would also help them advance professionally.
3. On-site childcare facilities – Many MNCs had this facility before covid, but after covid, many MNCs discontinued this policy. Companies should keep in mind to provide such facilities by offering employee childcare discounts or subsidized childcare benefits. Well, I am sure many people who are going to read this blog would agree to what a woman is all concerned about. The famous quote which I love to apply on daily basis –

“I believe in being strong when everything appears to be going wrong.” I believe that happy girls are the most beautiful. I believe in miracles and that tomorrow will be a new day.”

To Conclude –

We cannot change what we are not aware of, and once we are aware, we are compelled to change. The way women are resigning from jobs is not a good sign, simply because of the responsibilities they have both at work and at home. When we talk about women’s empowerment, we need to make sure that those empowerments are strengthened and that they have the level of comfort that is their right.

“I never imagined myself as a female founder or a woman in the tech industry. I just think of myself as someone passionate.”

As a result, by addressing these issues at work, whether remotely or in person, organizations will foster an inclusive culture that makes it safe and supportive for women to return to and advance in the workplace. Companies must create an environment in which diverse racial, ethnic, and gender identities are seen as models rather than outliers.