Despite women's significant strides in leadership roles, their representation remains disproportionately low. This chapter delves into the nuanced comprehension of gender equity within professional workplaces in Bangladesh. The objectives include identifying challenges faced by professional women, assessing unpaid care work, understanding work-life balance, soliciting suggestions from women, and developing policy recommendations. The methodology integrates a comprehensive approach, including literature reviews, primary data analysis through Microsoft forms, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focused group discussions (FGDs). The chapter focuses on Dhaka, involving white-collar workers across various sectors and career levels. It especially highlights challenges faced by female educators, individual barriers hindering career progression, and the lack of female role models in academia. The chapter suggests that through collaborative efforts, workplaces can prioritize inclusivity, equity, and support for all employees, promoting a harmonious work-life balance.
TopIntroduction
Across the globe, women have made significant strides in ascending to leadership positions within top-tier organizations, overcoming obstacles and shattering longstanding barriers. In contemporary times, both organizations and societies have progressively recognized the invaluable impact of gender diversity in leadership roles, both for the betterment of society and the efficacy of organizations. Women in leadership positions have consistently demonstrated remarkable levels of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity in their decision-making processes (The Rockefeller Foundation, 2016). Despite these advancements, however, women continue to encounter formidable challenges in attaining leadership roles, including entrenched gender stereotypes, unconscious biases, and the perennial struggle to achieve a satisfactory work-life balance (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Nevertheless, numerous countries have proactively implemented policies and initiatives aimed at fostering gender equality and bolstering opportunities for women in leadership roles (UN Women, 2023).
Women in Bangladesh have made remarkable strides in assuming leadership roles, particularly evident in politics and various sectors of society. Notably, the nation has witnessed the tenure of two female Prime Ministers, indicative of a growing trend of women assuming influential positions beyond the realm of politics and into areas such as business, academia, and civil society (World Bank, 2019). However, despite these advancements, Bangladesh grapples with significant challenges concerning gender equality and the progression of women into leadership roles. Cultural biases and entrenched patriarchal norms serve as formidable barriers, impeding women's access to education and essential resources (UNDP, 2020). Additionally, pervasive gender-based violence and discriminatory practices further obstruct women's empowerment and their ability to assume leadership roles (Khan, 2005).
Therefore in this book chapter, as we delve into the global landscape of women in leadership, we will explore women's challenges and opportunities as they strive for representation and influence in decision-making roles. This exploration will shed light on the progress made, the work that still needs to be done, and the potential paths forward for achieving greater gender parity in leadership in the context of Bangladesh.