According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data from November 2017, the female employment rate in Turkey is 29.3%, while it is 65.8% for men. Among women, those who are illiterate make up the lowest percentage of the workforce, while primary school graduates are employed the most. Unfortunately, Turkey has the lowest employment rate for women with higher education degrees.
According to the Catalyst Research Series, which was established to advance women in the workplace, globally 40% of women are part of the labor force. This rate is 47.3% in Canada, 21.8% in India, 43.7% in Japan, and 46.0% in the United States. Reports indicate that women spend more time than men on childcare and household tasks.
Even in developed countries like the United States, women do not work under equal conditions with men. Even when working in the same positions, men are paid more than women. One of the reasons for the inequality women face is their role as mothers. Sadly, in our country and around the world, being pregnant or planning to get married can be a reason not to be hired. Because childcare and household duties are generally attributed to women, this is seen as a disadvantage in the workplace, under the assumption that it will make it harder for women to balance their work and private lives. This mindset influences both employment and the roles given to women.
Mobbing is also one of the main challenges women face at work. Unfortunately, women encounter verbal and sexual harassment related to their clothing and appearance in the workplace. There is also a common belief that certain jobs are meant for men, not women. We’ve all heard the phrases: “That’s a woman’s job,” or “That’s a man’s job,” since childhood. Even the toys we played with were often gendered—boys got police cars, while girls played house with dolls. This remains a widespread norm.
And what about the belief that “women are emotional”? This assumption implies that men are less emotional or emotionless, and therefore women are seen as lacking leadership abilities. When a woman has a bad day, it is often attributed to her “special time of the month.” So what can women do to better cope with these challenges in both their work and private lives, challenges that stem from their gender?
Just as you plan your work tasks, you should also plan your household responsibilities. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed and can enjoy the moment instead of constantly thinking about what needs to be done. You can manage your workload by dividing household tasks as well.
Work will never be fully done, so don’t wait to do things that make you feel good. Take breaks and do them.
You should say no. If you’re not in a position to meet the demands of close friends or family, it’s okay to politely decline.
Share your struggles with trusted and loved ones. During tough times, we tend to be more sensitive and have higher expectations. But it’s hard for others to recognize our needs. That’s why it’s important to express your need for support. You’ll see how helpful this can be.
You don’t have to spend all your free time outside of work with your partner. Spending time with your own family, friends, or even by yourself can be a form of psychological detox. You should do this to refresh yourself.
You can also be flexible with the belief that all your free time outside of work and home should be spent with your child. Activities without your child can help you become a more effective parent—don’t forget that.
Good sleep, healthy food, and exercise are essential to feeling good. You don’t have to think of this as strict diets or intense workouts every day. A long walk once a week or cutting out one unhealthy food is a big favor you can do for yourself.
Find and schedule activities that pamper you. Because if you wait for free time to magically appear, it never will!
