The Perception of Working Women on Women's Empowerment

Abstract

Women’s empowerment, according to World Vision Australia, can be defined as “promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.” Organisations have recognized the value women bring to the table and have made several attempts in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in order to support and foster women’s empowerment in the workplace. While these measures are commendable, it is imperative that we look at them from the perspectives of those who are affected by them the most, i.e. women in the corporate sector. To conduct this study, a survey was designed and circulated to 32 female participants working in the corporate sector, above the age of 20, residing in Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, using convenient sampling methods. The findings suggest that although many respondents reported the existence of initiatives aimed at empowering women in their workplaces, a significant portion did not personally experience any benefits from these efforts. These findings carry significant implications that underscore the urgency for organisations to transcend superficial gestures and instead adopt comprehensive strategies that challenge long-standing norms and practices. The study emphasises the importance of genuine commitment and transformative measures as instrumental drivers in bringing about substantive change. In conclusion, this research accentuates the imperative for businesses to prioritise gender diversity in leadership roles, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees while advancing work-life balance and fostering an inclusive corporate culture if they desire substantial empowerment initiatives for women. Additionally, this study further expands our understanding of this area by contributing to the existing body of knowledge on women’s empowerment. With the help of the findings and insights of this research, organisations can now design impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives that promote gender equality in the corporate setting.