4 MARCH2022Editor NoteGender Inclusion in the Workforce Enhances Women's Rights &Socio-Economic StatusRachita SharmaSpecial EditorFor years, healthcare has been viewed as one of the best suited industries for women. An old Indian stereotype that has been set in stone says, `boys become engineers and women become doctors'. Although reductive in nature, this stereotype has translated into reality andthe healthcare sector has a much higher representation of women. When it comes to healthcare, women are better represented at all levels than in any other industries, are promoted at comparable rates, and also report similar levels of job satisfaction as compared to their male counterparts.It's interesting to note that more women are graduating from medical institutions that men. Male students form approximately one third of the population in a typical Indian medical college. The rest of the seats are filled by women. However, the same gender ratio cannot be seen in the industry, especially as we move towards the top leadership positions. A study by WHO concluded that while in totality women form 70 percent of the entire workforce in the healthcare sector yet their representation in leadership roles is about 25 percent. The importance of gender diversity in a field like healthcare can hardly be overstated. It is especially important among healthcare providers because women make up a large portion of the patient population.This is where organizations and their women centric policies can help create a more gender neutral and inclusive workforce. Case in point is Fortis Healthcare, one of India's premier healthcare institutions and this month's cover feature. The WEM team spoke to Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD & CEO at Fortis Healthcare who believes that diversity in work force impacts the entire community. He further adds that greater gender inclusion in the work force enhances women's rights and socio-economic status, expands women's social network, and provides more equitable norms in society."I also believe that diversity in workforce improves the quality of life of younger generations joining corporate workforce by witnessing & having role models across the demographic spectrum," said Dr. Raghuvanshi. Hearing in right from the horse's mouth should emphasize on the criticality of bringing more women into the healthcare sector. The current edition of Women Entrepreneur magazine shines the spotlight on some of the best healthcare organizations in India for women to work for. Do let us know your thoughts.
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