Page 93 - Siduliya

SEVA VANITHA 93
long work hours. This has resulted in overpromising stereotyped and labeled chores such as cooking,
and over delivering situations in the world of work washing and cleaning. #WFH seems to be “an option”
with an attempt to delight the customers making the worth exploring to encourage more women in the
work practices unfavorable. This is not unique only world of work. However this too comes at a cost and
to women but equally fair on both men and women. has its own limitations.
However women seem to be paying the higher
price due to family commitments as they are being #WFH is limited to certain occupations,
considered as the “nurturer” This claim seems true industries and work scopes. Thus the stretchability
even in the Sri Lankan context where women seem to will be limited. Therefore a careful selection needs to
be struggling with their triple burden of work (family, be taken place prior to the adoption of the practice
social, work commitments). and if offered should be taken by both genders as a
common work practice. Not alienating and trapping
Organisations attempt to cover such inefficient women within.
work practices by pointing fingers at women’s inability
to reach the top and to break the glass ceiling. Also the #WFM will require special infrastructural
firms are quick to offer work-family accommodations and technological literacy and efficacy. Thus the
as solutions in the form of part time work, taking leave organisational and national leadership will need to
from work, reduced work hours, etc. Women with their explore avenues to achieve this and an investment
family priorities tend to opt for these options which in will have to be made to equip the work force towards
the longer run hinder their ability to advance in their this' Thus creating a priority area worth exploring
careers. This situation not only curtails their career for post COVID 19 micro and macro level funding
but also causes gender pay gap where women get allocations. Moreover this new found reality will also
paid less than their male counterparts. assist to keep the costs and systems lean paving
way for businesses to be more cost effective and
If the inefficient work practices such as long competitive.
hours are keeping women away from the world of work
and away from reaching the top, such practices need Further during the #stayathome time in Sri
to be relooked at as it hinders macro level productivity Lanka there has been a surge of domestic violence
negating the economic growth and value creation. cases which has impacted both women and children.
No matter how much the companies claim “equal This is a result of social distancing and psychological
opportunities”, “non-discrimination”, if organisational pressures associated with-it. This is a common
norms and biases prevail and lip service is given phenomenon in the western world during the winter
to analyzing and not addressing the real causes, season where many are compelled stay indoors.
effective changes to rectify the situation will not take Thus taking best practices from the west and with
place. reference to the local scenario, a systematic approach
needs to be developed to handle and to manage
Another major factor to consider is “Child the negative side effects of #WFH practice. Further
Care”. This is a problem area for many women in the the development and deployment of a legal frame
world of work. Also a major contributor for the glass work to support women need to be advocated and
ceiling and gender pay gap. Thus this is an area championed to make these new realities workable.
which requires national level support and strategy.
Research suggest that higher the maternity leave for If these constraints can be identified and
women there is a better chance of retaining women managed, #WFM seems a productive work practice
in the work place and to assist them advance in their the corporate fraternity can consider along with the
careers. government to be implemented as a common work
practice post COVID 19 which will have a positive
COVID 19 & New Realities impact on Women’s Economic Participation and
thereby on the gender equality' #WFH will also help in
As they say “every dark cloud has a building the post pandemic economy both locally and
silver lining”. COVID 19 is destructive. Yet there is globally.
something to take out in the midst of the destruction.
The pandemic has brought in new realities, new
thinking and practices to the world. One such is “work
from home” concept (#WFH). This seems to be fitting
perfectly well in solving some issues pertaining to the
women’s participation in the world of work. #WFH
is creating gender equality where both genders are
compelled to work from home (not only women!!).
Child care becomes a shared obligation. Women’s
triple burden of work seems eased with shared
responsibilities. There is co-ordination for once