Women's Continuing Struggles in Global Commercial Hubs: Top Five Workplace Trends
In a recent analysis by Bloomberg Businessweek, the world's top business cities have been criticised for their failures in protecting and supporting working women. The report highlights various issues faced by working women in these cities, including safety concerns, gender inequality, and the lack of benefits for working mothers.
The analysis underscores the need for cities to provide a safer and more inclusive environment for women. Unsafe public environments lead women to make constrained choices in education and work, affecting their participation in the labor force and career advancement.
One of the key factors identified is the perceived and actual risks of street harassment and violence. Women often avoid higher-quality schools or workplaces if the commute or surroundings feel unsafe, limiting their access to opportunities.
Another factor is structural gender inequality. Despite a city’s economic clout, persistent gender discrimination in hiring, pay, and leadership roles sustains inequality. Inadequate urban planning and law enforcement also contribute to the problem, with many business hubs yet to design public transit, streets, and workplaces that prioritize women’s safety.
Entrenched gender biases and tolerance for harassment slow progress toward equality even in rich, global cities. The analysis calls attention to the need for cities to address these challenges and implement multifaceted policy approaches targeting urban safety, cultural change, and workplace gender equity to improve conditions for women in leading business cities.
The tragic death of Sarah Everard, a 33-year-old marketing executive abducted, raped, and murdered by a police officer in London, has brought attention to the lack of protection for women in large cities worldwide. This incident highlights society’s failure to protect women, and the need for cities to prioritize women's safety and wellbeing.
On a positive note, a woman born deaf-blind has built her own business, defying odds and serving as an inspiration to all. Young workers might seek purpose from their work, rather than just pursuing the next paycheck. The new video podcasting feature launched by Spotify could provide an opportunity for individuals to build a new audience on the ground floor.
Being disabled is not a burden, but the feeling of not being welcome is, according to a writer and professor. This sentiment underscores the importance of creating inclusive environments for all, regardless of ability or gender.
References: [1] Bloomberg Businessweek, (2021). The World’s Top Business Cities Fail Women. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-23/the-world-s-top-business-cities-fail-women [Accessed 15 April 2021].
- In light of the growing importance of health-and-wellness, cities must prioritize women's safety and wellbeing, as demonstrated by the tragic death of Sarah Everard in London.
- The world of business could benefit from a more inclusive approach, with cities implementing policies that ensure workplace gender equity and urban safety, as highlighted in the Bloomberg Businessweek analysis.
- In the realm of entertainment, the new video podcasting feature launched by Spotify presents an opportunity for individuals, regardless of ability or gender, to build a new audience and find purpose in their work.
