Abstract
Understanding and accepting gender bias especially at the workplace is crucial to ensure more participation not only of women but also men in diversified roles irrespective of their genders. This will bridge the gap between talent and opportunities, increase productivity, widen the talent pool and encourage personal and professional growth.
Gender equality is not a women issue but a human issue that affects everyone. The women were more susceptible to the pandemic-induced challenges due to already existing gender and economical inequalities. Most of them were negatively hit and their financial, social and financial status became vulnerable due to loss of livelihood, family condition and mental and physical health challenges.
The Maternity Act is undoubtedly a great step towards empowering women but more needs to be done to make the ecosystem more conducive for their overall well-being. Flexible workplace policies, more benefits and special provisions will be instrumental to ease the burden on them.
The need is not only to draft favourable work policies but also to make key stakeholders aware of the unconscious biases and prejudices that exist. The target of equitable development can only be achieved through a sensible, collaborative, and responsible approach.
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