Decoding Draupadi’s Post

To every woman out there who feels like she’s carrying the weight of the world—this one’s for you. Balancing a career, managing a household, and handling countless responsibilities—it's no wonder that burnout among Indian women is reaching alarming levels. A survey found that nearly 48% of Indian women report being more stressed now than they were a year ago. The pressures of being ‘everything to everyone’ are taking a toll, and it’s time we talk about it. But let’s be real: burnout isn’t just about feeling tired; it’s about feeling drained—emotionally, physically, and mentally. It’s that feeling of being spread too thin, where every day feels like an uphill battle, and you’re just trying to keep it all together. For far too long, society has expected women to juggle careers, family life, and social expectations seamlessly. But here’s the truth: It’s OK to feel overwhelmed. It’s OK to ask for help. And it’s OK to prioritise your own well-being. Workplaces need to recognise this, too. Flexible work options, supportive policies, and an understanding of the unique challenges women face are not just ‘nice to haves’—they’re essential. It’s time for a cultural shift that doesn’t just encourage women to keep going but empowers them to thrive. To every woman reading this: You are strong, you are capable, and your well-being matters. Let’s create a work environment that reflects that. #IndianWomenAndWorkplaceBurnout #WomenEmpowerment #WorkplaceInclusion #MentalHealthMatters #SupportWomen

🚨 Attention all: The secret life of Indian working women revealed! 🇮🇳👩💼 Ever wondered why your female colleague always looks like she's one spilled coffee away from a meltdown? Our latest article dives deep into the hidden world of India's working women, where stress levels are higher than Mumbai's real estate prices! 📈😅 Discover: Why multitasking isn't just a skill, it's a survival strategy The art of balancing traditional expectations with modern ambitions How the "superwoman syndrome" is creating a generation of exhausted heroines Warning: Reading this may cause sudden urges to send your working women friends a supportive message (or a large cup of chai ☕). Ready to uncover the truth? Click the link to read "The Hidden Struggles of Indian Working Women: Why Stress Levels Are Skyrocketing" 👇 #WorkingWomenInIndia #WorkLifeBalance #CorporateIndia #WomenEmpowerment Let's start a conversation! What's your experience with work-related stress? Share in the comments below! 💬

The Rise of the Indian Working Woman: India's economic landscape is significantly shifting, with women playing an increasingly vital role in the workforce. While challenges remain, positive trends are emerging, and it's an exciting time to discuss the contributions of Indian women. Growing Numbers: The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey reports a rise in female participation, with 15.3 million more women joining the workforce in 2020-21 compared to the previous year. This reverses a worrying decline and signifies a positive trajectory. Rural Powerhouse: Rural women form a significant portion of the working class, with a higher participation rate (36.6%) compared to urban areas (23.8%). Self-employment and casual labour are the dominant sectors, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability of these women. Skilled and Educated: The perception of women lacking necessary skills is changing. Initiatives like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission empower women through self-help groups and access to finance, enabling them to pursue skilled vocations. Challenges to Address Despite the progress, hurdles persist The Urban Gap: Urban India lags behind in female workforce participation. Bridging this gap requires addressing issues like lack of childcare, inadequate transportation, and societal norms. Formalization and Security: Many women work in informal sectors with minimal job security and social security benefits. Policies promoting formalization can empower these women. The Motherhood Penalty: Balancing motherhood with work remains a challenge. Supportive work environments with flexible hours and childcare facilities are crucial. The Way Forward India's economic potential is undeniably linked to empowering its women. By investing in education, skills development, and creating a supportive work ecosystem, we can unlock the full potential of this talented population segment. Let's celebrate the rise of the Indian working woman and continue the dialogue on fostering a truly inclusive workforce. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! #Diversityandinclusion #Womenempowerment #WomenInWork #India

Despite strides in education and maternal health, India still faces a challenge with low female workforce participation. A study by #Women in India Inc, the Udaiti Foundation, and Ashoka University's Centre for Economic Data and Analysis reveals that over 63% (290 million) of women aged 15-64 are not part of the labor force. The study identifies factors like marriage, motherhood, domestic responsibilities, and conservative societal norms as key constraints on women's workforce participation. Addressing these barriers is crucial for fostering gender-inclusive workplaces in India. The study also stated that women commonly leave their jobs due to concerns related to salary and career opportunities, with work-life balance being a significant factor, as reported by 40% of hiring managers. In contrast, only 4% of men cited this as a concern, underscoring the gendered nature of work-life balance challenges. Safety is another major concern, with 51% of HR managers highlighting it as the primary challenge in retaining women, compared to 36% for men. Additionally, the survey reveals that 59% of respondents indicated their organizations had not established internal committees mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, emphasizing a substantial gap in addressing sexual harassment concerns affecting women. #womenatwork #womeninindia #workplace

A big shoutout to the companies in India that provide paid menstrual leave for their women employees. In a country where many women are still navigating the delicate balance between work and home, these organizations stand out by truly understanding and addressing their needs. It’s not about sympathy—it’s about empowerment, saying, *“You go, girl—we’ve got your back!”* This progressive approach fosters growth with care, proving that India is steadily moving towards a more inclusive and compassionate workplace culture. This is the mindset we need to champion across industries. Who agrees with embracing this progressive change? #workculture #womenempowerment #progressivemindset #retail #sales #womeninterprenour #bringthechange

"An employed mother-in-law provides a higher likelihood that the daughter-in-law will be employed" - Great summary from Aparna Devagiri on Azim Premji University's "State of Working India 2023" report. Overall the trends seem positive with increasing women participation and decrease in caste based segregation. But when it comes to #entrepreneurship, the report notes that - But even more significantly, SC and ST owners are barely represented among firms employing more than 20 workers.  Not surprising, but I am glad someone looked at it and reported it. Darn this journey towards #equity. Knock off one hurdle, and the next one becomes visible. Such is life.

In rural India, women dedicate five to six hours daily to household tasks, which significantly limits their participation in the formal labor force. With only one in four Indian women working for pay outside the household—a fraction that has only declined over the last decade—it's clear that barriers like mobility challenges, social norms, and limited agency persist. So how can we make work work for more women? Perhaps we need to reimagine the types of jobs and work environments that are available for them. Answering this question is a top priority for the government, the private sector, and civil society, but it is clear that rigorous evidence is still limited. To bridge this gap, we’ve piloted an initiative that creates flexible, paid work opportunities tailored to women's needs, connecting them with quality jobs through partnerships with grassroots organizations. Discover how a simple shift in perspective can unlock significant economic potential for women and drive lasting change! Visit our project page for more details: https://lnkd.in/gKgWtnnv .#FutureOfWork #FlexibleWork #workerwellbeing 

"She is just lazy." "She just sits around." "She just wastes time in leisure" - are common comments we hear about non working women around us. But let me shed a light on some stats that will shock you: - 81.2% of Indian women engage in unpaid domestic services compared with 26.1% of men. - Women spend 34.6 hours weekly on household maintenance and child care: just 5 hours less than what a corporate employee spends in the office. - Women's unpaid work is responsible for 7.5% of the total GDP according to a State Bank of India report. We tend to look down upon women who do not work. But the truth is they are contributing to our country's growth along with: Keeping our elderly healthy. Making our children happy. Carrying our family forward. I know employment for women is encouraged today and rightfully so. But it doesn't mean our non working women don't deserve the same level of recognition, respect and appreciation. So, this women's day, let's promise ourselves that irrespective of the employment status of a woman, we'll respect her all the same. PS: Repost 🔁 if you agree with my thoughts and extend the support. LinkedIn News India #womensday2024 #india #employement

#SheDeservesMore: Why Indian Women Carry the Weight of the World (and How We Can Help Them Unload). Imagine Smita, a whirlwind of a woman who juggles a demanding career, manages a bustling household, and tirelessly cares for her aging parents. Smita is the embodiment of the modern Indian woman – a force of nature, resilient and resourceful. But beneath that strength lurks a silent enemy: stress. Chronic stress floods our bodies with cortisol, the fight-or-flight hormone. Over time, this relentless surge can manifest in ways Smita might not even recognize – persistent anxiety, a nagging feeling of being overwhelmed, unexplained weight gain, and fitful nights devoid of restful sleep. The statistics paint a sobering picture. A 2022-23 Deloitte report reveals that 53% of Indian working women face high stress, compared to the global average of 51%. This translates to millions of Smitas silently carrying the burden, their well-being sacrificed at the altar of societal expectations. The Double Shift: A Recipe for Burnout Unlike their Western counterparts, Indian women often grapple with the relentless "double shift" – the burden of professional success coupled with the unwavering responsibility of homemaking. This constant juggling act leaves them feeling constantly on edge, with little time for self-care or emotional refueling. Unequal Distribution: A Legacy We Must Dismantle Further compounding the issue is the uneven distribution of chores. Despite progress towards equality, childcare and housework still primarily fall on women. This invisible workload becomes a constant source of stress, chipping away at their energy reserves. Financial Dependence: An Added Layer of Pressure The report also highlights that 70% of Indian women surveyed have a partner as the primary earner. This financial dependence can lead to additional stress, particularly when coupled with societal pressures around women's roles as primary caregivers. The Ripple Effect: From Smita to Society Left unchecked, the consequences of chronic stress in women extend far beyond their own well-being. A stressed-out Smita might struggle to connect with her children, find patience with her partner, or contribute her full potential at work. Here's where we can begin: Prioritizing Self-Care: Encouraging regular exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be a powerful stress-buster for women. Open Communication: Smita deserves a partner who shares the load Supportive Workplaces: Organizations can implement flexible work arrangements, childcare facilities, and mental health resources It's Time to Unload the Burden Smita, and every woman like her, deserves more than a life consumed by stress. They deserve supportive families, progressive workplaces, and a society that recognizes their immense contribution. Let's work together to build a future where Indian women can shed the weight of the world and embrace the well-being they deserve. https://lnkd.in/gPUN2hpb

At StockEdge, we believe that empowering women isn’t just a social responsibility; it’s an economic necessity. If we can increase female workforce participation, India’s economy could potentially grow by a third by 2050—a transformative impact! We’re committed to fostering an inclusive environment and driving conversations around change. Let’s work towards creating more opportunities, better support, and safer environments for women in the workforce.