As many as 85% of women in India have missed out on a raise, promotion or other work offers because of their gender, reports Business Today India citing a report from LinkedIn. The report said that while many women in India have the flexibility of working from home, they face other barriers including lack of time and discrimination for family care. Lack of time is the topmost barrier for working women while 50% of women feel that gender is a barrier when it comes to attaining opportunities. Meanwhile, 37% of women feel they get fewer opportunities and get paid lower than men. Two in three women have said that they have faced lack of guidance through networks. Seven in 10 (69%) of working mothers have faced workplace discrimination because of household responsibilities while 71% feel that familial responsibilities come in the way of their career. The report added that women were disproportionately impacted during Covid-19 pandemic.

Ruchee Anand, Director, Talent and Learning Solutions, India at LinkedIn said the report suggests that it is the need of the hour for organisations to reimagine their diversity practices and offer greater flexibility to caregivers, in order to increase female participation in the workforce. “Reduced and flexible schedules, more sabbaticals, and new opportunities to upskill and learn are critical offerings that can help organisations attract, hire, and retain more female talent,” Anand said.