8 in 10 women perceive equal career growth opportunities compared to men: report by apna.co

·         65% of women witnessed pay equity between genders

·         75% of women are comfortable voicing gender-related concerns in the workplace

New Delhi, 28 August 2023: The landscape of workplaces is undergoing a transformative shift with the increasing participation of women in the workforce. On the occasion of Women’s Equality Day, apna.co, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform, has released a significant report shedding light on the evolving dynamics of gender equality within the professional sphere.

The report, based on a comprehensive survey conducted with over 10,000 women currently employed across various industries, showcases remarkable insights into the perceptions and experiences of women in the workplace. As the world recognizes and celebrates Women’s Equality Day, these findings highlight both the progress made and the challenges that still need to be addressed on the path to true gender equality.

Key Findings: Equal Career Growth Opportunities: The survey reveals a positive trend as 8 out of 10 women participants believe that they have equal career growth opportunities compared to their male counterparts. This points toward a significant shift in perception, demonstrating a collective confidence in the existence of equitable career prospects for women. This finding highlights the breaking down of traditional gender barriers in professional growth, underlining the growing recognition of women’s contributions to various industries.

Gender Pay Equity: Encouragingly, 65% of women surveyed have witnessed gender pay equity in their current workplaces. This indicates that progress is being made in addressing the longstanding issue of gender-based pay disparity, showcasing a positive step forward in the organized sector’s commitment to bridging the gender pay gap.

Addressing Gender-related Concerns: The report suggests that women are increasingly comfortable voicing their gender-related concerns in the workplace. A notable 75% of women express their confidence in approaching HR departments or superiors with such concerns, signifying a positive trend towards open communication and a more inclusive work environment.

Ongoing Challenges: Despite the optimistic outlook on career growth, the survey points out that societal expectations continue to significantly influence a woman’s career decisions and aspirations, with 80% of respondents acknowledging this impact. Moreover, 60% of women reported encountering gender-based discrimination during their professional journey, indicating that substantial challenges persist.

Mentorship and Professional Support: While 63% of women have had access to mentorship opportunities, a substantial 56% of these women faced gender-related hurdles that hindered their ability to fully benefit from such programs. This underscores the need for mentorship frameworks that actively counter gender bias and ensure equal professional growth opportunities.

In a dynamic workforce landscape where women’s participation is reshaping workplaces and conversations on gender equality, the findings from apna.co’s survey reflect this transformative journey. The commitment to fostering an atmosphere of growth and equality signifies a promising future where all individuals, regardless of gender, can contribute, thrive, and reshape the norms of professional success.

Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO of apna.co, commented, “These findings affirm our dedication to fostering gender equality and inclusivity within workplaces. As we witness this clear community endorsement, it reinforces our commitment to creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute on an equal footing.”