Sketch by Roshni Tharian, Illustrator at OoWomaniya.com

Yahoo! President & CEO Marissa Mayer in the U.S. Westpac Group’s CEO Gail Kelly in Australia. Biocon’s Chairman & MD Kiran Majumdar Shaw in India-are well known names of powerful female executives.

An Executive search firm’s survey of 240 Indian companies has shown that 11% of them were headed by women. This means that the last decade has seen a rise in the awareness of value that women bring and create in the corporate world. This has encouraged organizations to provide women friendly facilities like crèches, flexi-timings, work from home options and better maternity policies. But, unfortunately these facilities fail to break through the invisible barrier of gender bias i.e. the GLASS CEILING that exists in the corporate world and prevents women from making it to the top.

The term “Glass Ceiling” was coined by two Wall Street Journal reporters in 1986 to describe the “invisible but impenetrable barrier between women and the Executive Suite”. In other words, a glass ceiling is an informal set of values, perception or attitude that limits a woman’s chances to reach the top of an organization.

Why, even in the modern 21^st century are the women still bound by the Glass Ceiling?

According to me, Glass Ceiling is the cause of generations of societal conditioning that has made us believe that a Woman’s primary duty is towards her house and family which makes her unsuitable for leadership positions at work.

A senior male colleague once mentioned “ Top jobs require traveling, long working hours, staying away from family for long period of time – but women have their limitations and hence they do not fit the bill.”  What he said aptly describes the general male perception.

Perhaps, Glass-Ceiling can also be attributed to years of male dominance in the Corporate world that has created a patriarchal working environment.

“Women cannot crack business deals while drinking beer or playing golf” which is how the “Old Boys Network” operate.

Additionally, women miss out on mentorship and guidance by seniors who overlook their qualifications and ability simply because – she is a FEMALE.

 HOW TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING

How can one break the mould and tip the scales in favor of women with high career aspirations?

With the changing times, women workforce is gaining greater acceptance especially in the Banking & Financial Services sector. A lot is still desired in terms of women leadership, but the path is being paved.

Although there is no sure-shot formula to break the Glass Ceiling- but a few recommendations that can help are mentioned here:

• Strive to be the best not just for equality: If you have proven your mettle, your organization cannot afford to ignore you for long.

• Know and Advocate your Value: As women, we often are in the habit of underplaying our achievements due to our traditional value system. But to excel in the “C” world it is essential to show off your achievements.

• Pave your own Path: “Do not be afraid to voice a new idea at that important client meeting.” Trying to fit in mars your uniqueness – which is of prime importance in the competitive world around. So think different, weigh the pros-cons and then take the plunge.

• Take Risks: Hard-work, knowledge, experience and some risk-taking helps in building a sound career. Hence, ladies be confident and get out of your “Safe zone” because even if you fail you will learn something from the mistake.

• Hang in there: The most important thing we as women need to learn is to “fight our battles” and never give up.

Against all the odds, remember that more and more women are entering the “C” suite and so could you.                                  

References:

“Shattering the Glass Ceiling” – A research paper by BCG.

“India’s most powerful women in business” by Pavan Lall