Question

The wage gap between men and women persists even in the face of women’s greater participation in the workplace and increasing educational attainments, including graduate and professional training. In the video, “Why Can’t a woman Succeed Like a Man?” we see some explanations for this wage inequality. What are some of the barriers women face as they enter the workplace? How might the situation be changed?

Answer 1

THE GENDER WAGE GAP

The poll found that four in every 10 women in all the participating countries listed pay as the most important workplace issue. In the U.S. it clocked in as the biggest concern, with 58% placing it at the top of the list.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

This was the most important concern among the participating countries overall, with 44% of women surveyed reporting it as the toughest challenge in the workplace. In the U.S., 43% of women surveyed ranked work-life balance ahead of flexible work hours, access to childcare, and insufficient maternity leave.

CHILDREN VERSUS CAREER

Despite the emphasis placed on work-life balance and the concern over ever being able to achieve it, nearly half (47%) of all the women polled agreed that having a child wouldn’t stand in the way of building a career.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Nearly half (47%) of the women surveyed in the U.S. believe men have better access to professional development and career growth opportunities than they do. The U.S. ranked 10th in comparison to other countries in the G20, who believe men have better access to these types of opportunities.

HARASSMENT

The U.S. ranked second highest among countries surveyed where 37% of women reported being harassed in the workplace. Yet not many speak out against it. Across countries polled, 61% of women say they never or rarely report being harassed on the job.