In a revealing analysis, the latest Women’s Forum Barometer, Asia Pacific, sheds light on the persistent gender stereotypes and significant workforce inequalities facing women in the region. The study, conducted by MSL Asia Pacific, aggregates research and data from citizens across 10 countries, with a particular focus on Australia, China, Japan, and Korea. The findings draw stark comparisons between the experiences of women in Asia Pacific and those in G7 nations, highlighting ongoing challenges that require immediate attention.
One of the most striking revelations is the enduring belief in gender-specific aptitudes. Nearly half of the respondents from Asia-Pacific uphold the stereotype that men and women have inherent disparities in natural abilities, with men being perceived as more capable in scientific subjects and women in literary fields. This outdated notion continues to perpetuate inequality in educational and professional environments.
The survey also uncovers a troubling belief among respondents in Asia Oceania that women “can’t have it all.” A significant 60% of respondents in the region agree that to be a good mother, women must sacrifice their professional careers, compared to 48% of respondents in G7 countries. This sentiment underscores the ongoing struggle for work-life balance that many women face, exacerbated by societal expectations and caregiving responsibilities.
Margaret Key, CEO of MSL APAC, emphasized the unique challenges Asian women encounter: “As we navigate through the evolving landscape of gender equality, it is crucial to still recognise that Asian women face unique challenges distinct from those experienced in G7 countries. Addressing these inequalities requires a concerted effort to rethink and reshape our gender policies, while simultaneously challenging and transforming outdated cultural norms. By doing so, we can pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for women across the Asia Pacific region.”
Also Read: Navigating AI Adoption and Ethics: Insights from Jan Wong, Founder of OpenMinds
The report further highlights the impact of caregiving on women’s careers, with nearly half of the surveyed women in Asia-Pacific having taken a break from work for caregiving duties, a scenario much less common among men. These career interruptions have long-term negative consequences on women’s financial security and career progression, further widening the gender gap in the workplace.
Nannette Lafond Dufour, Chief Impact Officer of Publicis Groupe, pointed out the broader implications of these findings: “The Women’s Forum Barometer highlights the disparity between perception and reality for women in the workplace. It is important to understand that empowering women in the workplace goes beyond creating opportunities; it also involves reshaping perceptions and challenging the realities they face daily. By doing so, it will pave the way for women to thrive, and lead, transforming not just the workplace but society as a whole.”
Other critical findings include the persistent gender pay gap in the four Asian countries surveyed, the underrepresentation of women in industrial sectors, and the overrepresentation of women in part-time roles. The data also reveals that women in the region continue to face discrimination in promotions and pay despite equal or higher qualifications than their male counterparts.
To address these disparities, the report calls for concrete actions, including the promotion of female role models in STEM, mandatory gender bias training, and greater transparency in wage gaps. The widespread support for these measures indicates a growing recognition of the need for systemic change.
As the Asia Pacific region continues to grapple with these challenges, the findings from the Women’s Forum Barometer serve as a crucial reminder of the work that remains to be done to achieve true gender equality in the workplace.
