The recent EB CONNECT roundtable discussion on the future of work provided a platform for thoughtful perspectives, with one of the highlights being the assertion made by Eva Kuupuolo, a lecturer at UNIMAC-GIJ. She delved into the difficult situations faced by women in the professional sphere, particularly in the context of an Afrocentric mindset that she believes hinders the progress of women in breaking the glass ceiling.
She argued that societal attitudes, deeply rooted in an Afrocentric perspective, create additional barriers for women striving to climb the corporate ladder. According to her, there is a prevailing belief that women must go above and beyond, doing extra work to prove themselves in comparison to their male counterparts. This she emphasized, contributes to a systemic disadvantage that women face in the workplace or even in search for job.
She highlighted the need for women to overcome societal expectations, suggesting that the prevailing mindset creates conditions that impede women’s success. She pointed out that women often find themselves in situations where they have to navigate additional challenges to perform at their best, and this, in turn, restricts their ability to reach the upper stages of their professions.
To illustrate her point, she provided practical examples of how these challenges manifest in the workplace. She discussed instances where women encounter bias and expectations that may limit their opportunities for career advancement. By drawing attention to these real-world scenarios, she aimed to emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the Afrocentric mindset’s impact on gender dynamics in the workplace.
This discussion at EB CONNECT serves as a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation on gender equality and the future of work
It calls for a reflection on societal attitudes that may impede the professional growth of women and advocates for the creation of inclusive environments where individuals are judged based on their abilities rather than gender.
Source: enterprisebureau.org
