How important is work-life balance for women?

Despite years of advocacy for women's rights at workplace, companies remain reluctant to offer fundamental support, as reported by working women

Bengaluru: More than a century after socialist leader Clara Zetkin proposed the celebration of International Working Women's Day, working women in Bengaluru continue to fight for their rights. Despite her advocacy for the dismantling of patriarchy, the establishment of equal rights in the workplace, and the challenge against the upper class that controls corporate entities, the struggle persists. On Sunday, the IT Capital of India witnessed a significant turnout of IT professionals at Freedom Park, voicing their displeasure over the exemption of the Labour Laws, which was extended to five more years last year.

“I remember receiving incessant calls from my manager after a long day at work while I was attempting to rest. The following day, I faced reprimands,” shares Rashmi Chaudhary, who holds a senior position at Big Four. “I simply cannot understand how they fail to recognise that it is unfeasible for an individual to work continuously without appropriate compensation. I am still expected to work the next day,” she said. Chaudhary further noted that women like her have to keep explaining themselves for their reason for sickness. “They completely overlook the fact that women experience menstruation every month. Just because I was unwell last month does not imply that I am immune to illness this month,” she lamented.

Chaudhary, who also serves as the Vice President of the Karnataka IT Employees Union (KITU), articulated the challenges faced by employees who struggle to find time for personal lives outside of work. “We work for a minimum of 14 hours daily. Given that India remains largely patriarchal, companies often overlook the additional burdens placed on women due to their domestic responsibilities,” she asserted. According to her, many companies fail to adhere to legal requirements concerning maternity. “The Maternity Benefits Act mandates six months of paid maternity leave and the provision of daycare facilities, which many organisations neglect. Numerous women fear job loss, in addition to the challenges of adequately caring for their children,” she claimed.

Ancy, who has been employed in the city for around a year and a half, noted that more skilled female employees tend to bear greater responsibilities. “Their margin for error is significantly low. This is overwhelming, especially when balancing household duties and family care,” she said. Ancy further stated that working women lacking a work-life balance often raise children who are susceptible to negative influences. “I have seen many children who are unstable because their parents are preoccupied with work,” she noted.

Advocate Sukanya Hebbar remarked, “For women, working beyond eight hours is nearly unfeasible. An eight-hour workday should be a fundamental right for all. The profit-driven mentality of industrialists at the expense of workers' wellbeing is unacceptable.” She also highlighted the necessity for companies to broaden their leave policies for women. “Women are particularly vulnerable to health issues, and many find themselves in violent circumstances,” she explained.