I am an MBA (HR) graduate, a male candidate, and I am passionate about working in HR. However, it seems like I might remain unemployed for life as I continue searching for a job. I keep encountering job postings that specify "female candidates only." I just need a job in HR. Can you please explain why this is the case?
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Dear Tushar, it is unfortunate to note that you are a victim of gender bias.
The myth of women-only HR roles
Every field or discipline gets influenced by a lack of objective consideration, and HR is no exception. It is a complete myth that women handle HR jobs better than men. Except for HR and Finance, all other functions demand in-company or field movements. While the job of a Purchase Manager may not be a 100% field job, it is not sedentary either.
Cultural influences on gender roles in India
The bias for "women-only-in-HR" results from India's culture as well. In the 21st century, women still carry some elements of the "Bharatiya naari." The Bharatiya naari is considered too weak to handle field jobs or take on roles like a Warehouse Manager. Therefore, it is logical to assign them office-centric jobs rather than those requiring the use of physical tools, instruments, equipment, etc.
Exploring career choices
So, what are your choices? These could be as follows:
a) Firstly, one could wait eternally to secure the right job in HR. However, this is risky as long-term unemployment is not conducive to career growth.
b) The second option is to venture into jobs in Industrial Relations. This kind of job will involve handling matters of discipline, dealing with unions, etc. There will not be much competition from women in this type of job, but managing rustic or earthy union leaders is not simple either.
c) The third option is to move into other functions like Purchase, Warehouse, etc. I conduct training programs on Supply Chain Management (SCM), and I have come across a good number of participants who did not have an MBA in Operations Management or SCM. Purchase and supply chain are male-dominated jobs, and chances of you becoming a victim of gender bias are very low.
All the best!
Regards, Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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8071The myth of women-only HR roles
Every field or discipline gets influenced by a lack of objective consideration, and HR is no exception. It is a complete myth that women handle HR jobs better than men. Except for HR and Finance, all other functions demand in-company or field movements. While the job of a Purchase Manager may not be a 100% field job, it is not sedentary either.
Cultural influences on gender roles in India
The bias for "women-only-in-HR" results from India's culture as well. In the 21st century, women still carry some elements of the "Bharatiya naari." The Bharatiya naari is considered too weak to handle field jobs or take on roles like a Warehouse Manager. Therefore, it is logical to assign them office-centric jobs rather than those requiring the use of physical tools, instruments, equipment, etc.
Exploring career choices
So, what are your choices? These could be as follows:
a) Firstly, one could wait eternally to secure the right job in HR. However, this is risky as long-term unemployment is not conducive to career growth.
b) The second option is to venture into jobs in Industrial Relations. This kind of job will involve handling matters of discipline, dealing with unions, etc. There will not be much competition from women in this type of job, but managing rustic or earthy union leaders is not simple either.
c) The third option is to move into other functions like Purchase, Warehouse, etc. I conduct training programs on Supply Chain Management (SCM), and I have come across a good number of participants who did not have an MBA in Operations Management or SCM. Purchase and supply chain are male-dominated jobs, and chances of you becoming a victim of gender bias are very low.
All the best!
Regards, Dinesh Divekar
From India, Bangalore
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