Politicians or senior managers who manage the most renowned companies, both nationally and globally, we find that these positions are occupied mostly by men. In recent days we have heard news that reflects a reality where women still have a long way to go.
A glass ceiling hard to break
The previous Ministry of Equality launched a project to promote the access of women managers to the executive bodies of companies, with the aim of promoting a balanced presence of women on the Boards of Directors. According to a study, this female representation went from 29% in 2008 to 31% in 2010, showing differences depending on the type of company and the sector in which it operates.
This increase is still low if we take into account that women are currently well qualified to occupy positions of this caliber, just as men do. Thus, we find that the female sector has to face a glass ceiling in order to fully develop their professional career.
In general terms, men and women have the same opportunities to perform a certain job, although with differences in salary. But as we move up the organizational chart, women are disappearing due to a series of supposed obstacles in the corporate culture of many companies. The glass ceiling that prevents women from reaching senior management positions is not embodied in any law or code, but is latent in the modus operandi of companies.
Obstacles that paralyze professional careers
Even today, the hierarchical structures of companies are still based on masculine rules and the prototype of the ideal employee is still a man. The stereotypes that have accompanied women throughout history place them in a disadvantaged position as they are considered to lack authority and command. A situation that worsens when trying to reconcile personal and work life, since the prevailing business philosophy is the one that defends that in order to achieve professional success it is necessary to give up personal life.
In the case of women, the levels of effort, demand and self-improvement are much higher compared to what is required of man. Women have to constantly prove that they are worth to perform a certain position, that they have the right skills or even have to use their strongest side to match up on some occasions with their male colleagues.
The more affective, close and warm personality that characterizes women also becomes a barrier to reaching a high position in a company because it conflicts with the values that prevail in organizations and that are linked to the masculine world (affective distance, indifference, independence, coldness, etc.).
However, this glass ceiling is not as prevalent in small companies. Where closeness, relationships between colleagues, creating a good work environment and where there is greater flexibility of schedules to make personal and work life compatible are valued more. Similarly, many women who have encountered the obstacles described above have chosen to create their own company and design a culture in accordance with feminine values.
Towards equality
Part of the blame for these inequalities lies in the education we receive in the early years of childhood, where machismo continues to be latent in the values inculcated. For this reason, it is essential to educate on equal opportunities, the distribution of tasks, the elimination of differences between the sexes, etc.
On the part of the companies, offering work and family reconciliation programs with flexible hours, part-time work or the possibility of working from home, would be a key point for a greater insertion of women in the workplace. In addition, change the policies of the promotion processes focusing on the experience, worth and aptitudes of the candidate, regardless of her sex.
In short, all those actions and possible changes to eliminate obstacles and obstacles that prevent women from having a presence in any field.
