As much as people say they are promoting equality in business, there is still a great rift between men and women in the business industry. In many conferences and events, women say that even though they have come a long way with the war against gender inequality, there are still issues that need to be addressed. Here are some of the most prevalent challenges that women have brought forward in these conferences.
Unfair percentage
In almost all business meetings, men hold a higher percentage. Sometimes, a professional might find that she is the only female in the room. This fact by itself puts a lot of pressure on the lady because she feels like the odd one out. The pressure might get in the way of her confidence and the ability to air her opinions regarding relevant matters. Also, being the only lady puts her on a tight spot and an easy target for bias from the other board members, whether intentionally or not.
Challenges with a Healthy Balance
Most people openly or discretely question the ability of a woman to really have it all. Finding a healthy work-life balance can be challenging for women, chiefly because most of the time, they have to work twice as hard as everyone else. The fact that men are not questioned about how they balance their life and work shows that people are generally biased when it comes to female leaders. However, despite the challenges, most women have managed to strike a balance that works for them.
Difficulty Making Connections
People often say that the business world is not mostly about what you know but rather who you know. Networking is, therefore, a vital aspect for a businessperson to grow. However, it becomes difficult for women to make connections in this man’s world because of all the existing boy clubs. Women have said such drawbacks have significantly impacted their businesses.