Educational disparities, stemming from differential access to quality education and opportunities, serve as a fundamental cause of gender inequality in the workplace. Research published in the International Journal of Educational Management by Shruti Raina explores the critical link between education and gender disparities in the professional world (Raina). The study highlights that unequal access to quality education at various stages of life significantly hampers women's ability to compete equally in the job market. This is particularly pronounced in regions with limited educational infrastructure and societal norms that prioritize boys' education over girls' (Raina). The research reveals that girls often face disparities in educational opportunities, starting from early childhood (Raina). Gender stereotypes and cultural norms that emphasize domestic roles for girls can lead to lower enrollment rates in schools and decreased access to resources, such as tutoring and extracurricular activities (Figure 5). These disparities continue into higher education, where women may be underrepresented in STEM fields and other lucrative areas. Such limitations in educational opportunities result in a restricted pool of qualified female candidates for higher-paying and leadership positions in the workforce.
Stereotypes and gender norms, deeply ingrained in societal beliefs, significantly contribute to the perpetuation of gender inequality within the workplace. The study by Ikiz, Şenol, and Güran (Tabassum and Nayak) published in the Journal of International Women’s Studies emphasizes the substantial role of stereotypes in shaping workplace dynamics. The authors claim that traditional gender roles and expectations, often perpetuated by societal norms, create stereotypes about the competence, capabilities, and appropriate roles for individuals based on their gender. Such stereotypes tend to label women as nurturing and communal, reinforcing the expectation that they excel in caregiving or administrative roles, while positioning men as assertive, rational, and better suited for leadership positions. Consequently, these ingrained beliefs hinder women's opportunities for career advancement, leading to a skewed distribution of power and influence in the workplace. The study highligh
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