“No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contribution of half its citizens.” Michelle Obama.

Gender Equality refers to equal treatment of men and women and it recognizes the fact that gender in itself is a social construct.

Challenges faced by women in achieving gender equality:

1. Workplace Harassment: It has been widely reported that despite the existence of strict laws, women continue to face sexual harassment in the workplace, which forces many to leave their jobs and sit at home.
2. Glass ceiling effect: Marilyn Loden gave this famous concept which argues that women are promoted to certain positions and not beyond that because there is a preconceived notion that women won’t discharge their duties if they occupy important positions.
3. Work-life balance: Due to societal norms, women are expected to fulfill the duties of the house as well as their jobs. This creates an extra burden on women and hinders their performance in the workplace.
4. Gender Pay Gap: UN reports reveal that women in the labor market earn 23% less than men globally. Social progress cannot come if we continue to ignore the contribution of women in the economic sector.