High-flying women in the workplace are still facing many of the same challenges they did nearly 30 years ago, according to a new survey of high-flyers. The survey revealed that gender equality in the workplace has stalled, with women reporting ongoing issues and obstacles similar to those experienced in the Nineties.
The survey participants are advocating for higher salaries and increased efforts to break through the ‘glass ceiling’, which refers to the invisible barriers that hinder women’s progress in their careers. It is concerning that a significant number of women feel that not enough has changed since the Nineties, with 47 percent calling for more initiatives to promote women into senior positions – echoing sentiments from a similar survey conducted in 1996.
The survey, which involved nearly 500 women, was conducted to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Women of the Year (WOY) Lunch and Awards, founded by Tony Lothian. Lady Louise Vaughan, the chair of the organisation, expressed deep concern that women continue to face longstanding workplace challenges and stressed the importance of addressing and eradicating entrenched inequalities wherever they persist.
While 88 percent of respondents acknowledged improvements in conditions for women over the past 30 years, a considerable number highlighted ongoing issues. More than half (57 percent) of participants called for increased efforts to promote gender equality in their workplaces, and 36 percent wanted to see more action to dismantle the glass ceiling and combat gender bias.
The survey also shed light on a concerning trend of ageism faced by women in the workplace, with 90 percent of respondents indicating the need for more action to address the issue. Age-related discrimination was reported by one in three women aged 51 and above (37 percent), while 34 percent of younger women aged between 31 and 50 also reported experiencing ageism.
The findings of the survey resonate with a previous independent report that exposed widespread sexism in hospital operating theatres across England. Baroness Helena Kennedy QC highlighted the prevalence of an ‘old boys’ network of alpha male surgeons, which inhibited the advancement of some doctors and created a hostile environment for women and ethnic minorities.
The survey results underscore the persistent challenges faced by high-flying women in the workplace, despite incremental progress in gender equality. The call for greater initiatives to promote diversity, address ageism, and shatter the glass ceiling remains a pressing issue that requires continuous attention and action.