A new survey is showing that in certain sectors in Singapore, such as engineering and science, the glass ceiling for women still exists. The reason for this is bias, which can either be conscious or unconscious.
The survey was carried out by Indeed, a US-based worldwide employment website for job listings, the largest such site in the world.
The survey finds that almost 25 per cent of the respondents — that is, one in every four — say they experience greater harassment and are treated with less respect than men.
A media release from Indeed, in time for International Women’s Day, said that gender bias still has a considerable impact on women’s workplace experiences.
It seems that in some sectors, specifically technical areas such as engineering and science, conscious and unconscious bias has been found to place limits on female leadership and opportunities.
Indeed’s study finds that in technical professions, 34 per cent of the respondents said that women have fewer leadership opportunities.
Of male respondents, 49 per cent agreed that men and women get equal opportunities in the workplace, while only 34 per cent of the women surveyed felt the same.
However, when asked if there is gender equality in workplaces in Singapore, 74 per cent agree – or at least did not disagree – that gender equality has already been achieved in the country.
At Indeed, APAC, Ms Florence Yip, senior manager, Talent Attraction, said, “The picture that emerges from our research is nuanced. While a significant number of women say that they have attained equality at work, there is also evidence that some gender biases remain. The responses suggest Singaporean companies are making headway in addressing inequality, but that there is a considerable way to go.”
Interestingly, Indeed’s survey shows a significant difference as to what career fields men and women prefer. For example, 26 per cent of male respondents said they would want to work in technology if they were given an opportunity to choose a new career, while only 13 per cent of women chose this field.
Conversely, 15 per cent of female respondents chose the healthcare sector if they were given an opportunity to choose a new career, while only 4 per cent of men chose this field.
Interestingly, the theme for International Women’s Day this year is: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” which is represented by the #BreakTheBias hashtag.
Sima Bahous, executive director of UN Women, said: “We have today the opportunity to put women and girls at the centre of our planning and action and to integrate gender perspectives into global and national laws and policies.” /TISG
Jamus Lim salutes his ‘Queen’ — and all women in his life — on International Women’s Day