‘The Opportunity Index 2021’ report

Context:

It is a new report by LinkedIn.

• The survey, conducted in January, saw participation from more than 10,000 respondents across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. It covered 2,285 respondents in India.

The Opportunity Index 2021 report

Key Highlights

• As per the index, the Covid-19 pandemic has hit the working women in India the most as compared to working women in other countries.
• The index maintains that, working women in India continue to battle strongest gender bias with respect to equal pay and opportunity across the Asia Pacific countries.
• As per the report; about one in five women, which accounts for 22% of the working women in India, is unhappy with the opportunities to advance in their career. These women said that, their companies are favourably biased towards men.
• Further, 85% of working women claim that they have missed out on raise, promotion, or work offer in India. While in Asia-Pacific region this figure stands at 60%.
• The report also highlights that, 37% of working women in India get fewer opportunities than men.
• Further, 37% of the women are paid less than men.
• LinkedIn’s findings further states that, women now seek the employers who treat them as equal. On the other hand, 56% of the women look for recognition at work for their work. Other women wants that they get work as per their skills.

What hinders the career development?

In India, lack of required professional skills and lack of guidance through networks & connections are the barriers that hinders the career development for working women. Because of these barriers, the women are of the view that organisations should step up in order to provide maternity policies and other flexibility & developmental programmes. The women are also appreciating the telecommuting and work-from-home.

Source: The Hindu