Beyond Glass Ceilings and Brick Walls - International Labour ...

12. Management Study Inputs: Organizations need to encouraged, and
resources found, to facilitate a process of introspection and strategy
development to formulate policies that would make them more socially
responsible and gender sensitive. This will require the provision of technical
expertise or know-how.
13.Research and Information Dissemination: All organizations will require
valid and relevant information to make appropriate decisions to institute
gender justice and equity. Organizational management research, with a
special emphasis on gender dynamics, need to be encouraged and the
available resources for research into these issues enhanced. Facilitating
social scientists to undertake research may also be required. This can be
done through a training workshop and also by providing seed funds to
undertake research. The research agenda in this area needs to be developed
with the participation of all stakeholders. The mechanism for dissemination
of findings in an effective manner should be identified and strengthened.
14.Support Groups: There are many women who face similar challenges in
relation to their career and occupational mobility. Developing support
groups for women to critically examine the issues faced and to develop
and implement strategies to address these problems should be encouraged.
This will require awareness creation, and assistance in the formation of
support groups and the strengthening of their capabilities. Existing
women’s organizations such as the Federation of University Women,
Women’s Chambers of Commerce, women’s NGOs etc., could be
supported to undertake programmes to help women in management as
well as to educate and assist other women.
15.Social Support Systems: The family will remain an important social
institution that will have a major influence on the manner in which women
find access to and succeed in management positions. Organizations need
to recognize this fact and undertake programs and strategies to help
families make necessary adjustments in role-sharing and attitudes to help
women succeed in their aspirations. Building a close-knit and reliable
workforce and women managers in particular will require senior
management to redefine how they will perceive and relate to the families
of the employees.
16.Image Building: It is necessary to create and build positive images of
women in management as well as of organizations that take a proactive
stand, in encouraging women to succeed in management. These images
should be used at all appropriate opportunities to educate the public,
managers and leaders of organizations. Given the acceptance of corporate
responsibility and also the increasing sensitivity of consumers to products
and services offered by organizations, incorporating human rights and
gender justice into its image-building efforts will be a prudent strategy.
17. Improving Gender Relations: Organizations should be encouraged to
adopt mechanisms to improve gender relations and the manner in which
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