Constrained by Choice - An Assessment of the Challenging Barriers of Women in Workforce

The status of women in modem India is a sort of paradox. If on one side she is at the peak of ladder of success, on the other hand, she is mutely suffering the barriers afflicted. As compared with past, women in modem times have achieved a lot but in reality, they have to still travel a long way. Some researchers had focused on differences on career progress of women, identifying reasons like less education, seniority, training and experience. Some studies have also indicated that the women managers are confronted with stractural barriers. In career choices women tend to be in stereotypically feminine professions and reflect lower levels of career aspirations, educational attainment, and career achievement compared with those of men in the same intellectual level. Although women's labour force participation still differs greatly from men, mainly because of socio - economic disadvantages. This research article aims to study the choices of women in different milestones of her life and the road blocks faced at every stage, with the success or the failure factor which necessitated the decision. An empirical study has been conducted among the married working mothers' women in academia to identify the above said factors influencing the choices of women. A sample size of 125 was selected using convenience sampling technique. The primary data was collected using questionnaire. The choices of women at every stage were studied and the factors influencing both supportive as well as those acting as barriers were studied. The influence of the demographic factors on the choices of women is also revealed using the analysis of variance tool. Factors like education level of the parent, income level of the family, rural or the urban background, were studied and the results proved that there is significant difference in the choices women make because of the above said factors. The suggestions and the conclusion have been derived from the findings of the study is enumerated in detail in the study.