The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a wave of challenges across the globe, but women have felt the brunt more than ever. Dubbed the 'shecession,' this downturn is reversing hard-earned progress women have made in the workplace.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a staggering 275,000 women left the workforce in January, compared to 71,000 men. In just one year, nearly 2.4 million women have exited the workforce, leaving 1.8 million men behind.
As vaccines roll out and hope for a return to normalcy grows, the big question remains: will there be a welcoming place for women to return and thrive in their careers?
Dr. Caren Goldberg, a Human Resource Management professor, emphasizes that the pandemic has only exacerbated existing systemic issues that have long kept women at a disadvantage in the workplace. \"The shecession isn't just about the numbers; it's about the structural barriers that need to be addressed,\" Goldberg explains.
Experts suggest that one effective way to combat this trend is by increasing the number of women in leadership roles. \"When women are in positions of power, it sets a precedent for more inclusive and supportive workplace environments,\" Goldberg notes.
It's clear that addressing the shecession requires a concerted effort from employers, policymakers, and society as a whole to ensure that women can regain and advance their positions in the workforce.
