Working Women Are Judged by a Different Set of Criteria Than Men

In many societies, especially in Asian countries, working women face unique challenges that men seldom encounter. Despite the progress made towards gender equality, the reality is that women are often held to a different standard in the workplace. This disparity manifests in several forms, including expectations around work-life balance, leadership style, and personal choices.

The Double Burden

In countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, cultural norms often place the primary responsibility of household duties on women, regardless of their professional commitments. A woman’s ability to manage both a career and family is scrutinized far more than her male counterparts, who are seldom questioned about their involvement in household chores or parenting. Women are expected to balance both worlds flawlessly, whereas men are often celebrated for focusing solely on their careers.

Leadership Style and Assertiveness

In leadership positions, women in Asian countries often face a dilemma. If they exhibit assertive behavior, they are labeled as aggressive or unfeminine. On the other hand, if they are collaborative and nurturing, they may be seen as weak or ineffective. Men in similar roles are praised for their decisiveness and strength. This double standard discourages many capable women from pursuing leadership roles, fearing backlash for not conforming to society's expectations.

The “Appearance” Trap

Another area where working women are judged more harshly is their appearance. In countries like Japan and South Korea, professional women are often expected to conform to traditional standards of beauty—perfectly groomed, dressed in a certain way, and maintaining a delicate balance of being professional but not overly assertive. Men, however, are rarely judged on their appearance to the same extent.

Career Gaps and Maternity Leave

Taking maternity leave is often seen as a career setback for women in many Asian societies. Despite laws supporting maternity leave, women returning to work after childbirth may face subtle biases from employers or colleagues. They may be perceived as less committed to their jobs, even though their male counterparts are never questioned about their commitment after becoming fathers.

Overcoming the Judgment

While these challenges exist, there is a growing movement to break these stereotypes. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of gender diversity and inclusion, and women are steadily breaking through the barriers. Countries like the Philippines, where female representation in leadership roles is relatively high, offer hope for change across the region.

Ultimately, it’s essential for societies to evolve and acknowledge that men and women, though biologically different, deserve to be assessed by the same professional standards. Only by addressing these biases can we hope to create workplaces where everyone is judged by their skills, not their gender.

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