Women with Higher Education Are Less Likely to Quit Jobs After Marriage: A Look at India’s Gender Divide in Education and the Workforce : Valley Vision
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Long back Swami Vivekananda had said, ‘It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing,’ emphasizing the need for gender equality. Unfortunately, in 2024 too India’s aspirations for equal opportunities for women remain largely unfulfilled. Despite decades of progress, glaring disparities persist, especially in education and the workforce.
A recent World Bank report named Education, Social Norms, and the Marriage Penalty: Evidence from South Asia, exposes a critical issue: 13% of employed women drop out of the workforce after marriage.However, the data also highlights a key insight—women with higher education and qualifications equal to their partners are far less likely to quit their jobs post-marriage. This shows that education doesn’t just equip women with skills–it empowers them to challenge and break free from traditional gender norms, making it a vital tool in closing the gender gap.
Key insights from the World Bank Report
Here are key insights from the report on gender disparity in two sectors: Education and Jobs. The study also highlights the impact of higher education on reducing women’s workforce attrition post-marriage
- Marriage Penalty in South Asia: Women’s employment drops by 12 percentage points after marriage, even without children, reflecting a “marriage penalty” that can persist for up to five years.
- Men’s Employment Boost: While women face career setbacks post-marriage, men see a 13 percentage point increase in employment rates after tying the knot, though this advantage fades over time.
- Higher Education Reduces Women’s Attrition: Higher education slashes the dropout rates of women from the workforce post-marriage. Educated women are far less likely to quit their jobs after getting married, with post-secondary education reducing this decline by nearly half. Women with education beyond high school—or those who marry equally educated partners—are significantly more likely to stay employed after marriage, defying traditional expectations.
- Education vs. Social Norms: Educated women have better job access and face fewer constraints from traditional gender norms that limit workforce participation. While a husband’s education can shape household norms, it has less direct impact on the wife’s career.
- Marriage vs. Childbirth Impact: Marriage, even without children, leads to a sharper decline in women’s workforce participation than childbirth, driven by entrenched social norms. More women exit jobs post-marriage than after having children.
- Shift in Gender Norms Needed: Beyond education, a shift in social norms is necessary to improve women’s workforce participation. Policies that promote gender equality within households and challenge traditional expectations can further reduce the attrition rates of women post-marriage.
- Education’s Long-term Impact: Higher education equips women with better long-term employment prospects, helping them resist societal pressures that may otherwise push them out of the workforce after marriage.
Gender Disparity in India’s Higher Education: Where Do We Stand?
India’s struggle with gender equality remains a harsh reality, as underscored by the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 from the World Economic Forum (WEF). Ranked 129th out of 146 economies, India’s standing reveals a concerning decline, particularly in women’s education. The report warns that at the current pace, it will take India until 2158—over 130 years—to achieve full gender parity, far beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target.
Despite the grim forecast, there are glimpses of progress. According to the AISHE 2021 report, women’s participation in higher education has surged, with a gross enrollment ratio of 28.5% for women aged 18-23, now outpacing that of men. Female enrollment has jumped by 28.3% over the past decade, and women now make up 49% of the overall student population, up from 45% in 2014-15.
However, gender imbalances persist. While women lead in MA programs, making up 57% of enrollments, they are vastly outnumbered in MBA courses, where men account for 76% of students. Male dominance continues in Diploma, Ph.D., and integrated programs, with men comprising 65.1% of Diploma enrollees and 55% of Ph.D. students. Even as women hold 49.2% of undergraduate seats, disparities remain across key educational sectors, echoing the broader challenges outlined in the WEF report.
India’s journey to gender equality in education is marked by both progress and persistent barriers. The road ahead demands targeted action to close these gaps, driving the nation’s future toward true equality.
Culprits Behind Gender Disparity in the Education and Job Sector
Cultural norms, patriarchal mindsets, and deep-rooted stereotypes are key culprits behind gender disparity in India’s education and job sectors. Societal expectations prioritize marriage and family over career for women, limiting their access to higher education and professional growth. Additionally, safety concerns, wage gaps, and limited career opportunities further hinder women’s participation and progress.
Cultural Barriers and Traditional Gender Roles
In a world desperately seeking a gender-neutral picture of society, patriarchy is still celebrated in many parts of India. The deep-rooted cultural norms tend to consider boys as the breadwinners and girls are expected to manage the household chores. This bias limits girls from pursuing higher education, hindering their professional and academic growth.
Socio-Economic Factors and Early Marriages
Existing stereotypes and prejudices are the main culprits hindering the professional development of women. At times this is further fuelled by prevailing financial constraints. In low-income households, girls’ education is viewed as a financial burden and worthless. They often consider marrying off their girls at a young age to be their prime responsibility. Once married, girls are less likely to continue their studies, further widening the education gap and restricting their entry into the corporate sector.
Lack of Infrastructure and Safety Concerns
Inadequate school facilities, such as poor sanitation, disproportionately affect female students. The absence of separate toilets or menstrual hygiene support in schools is a major reason for high dropout rates among adolescent girls. Additionally, safety concerns, such as long commutes or unsafe school environments, further discourage families from sending girls to school.
Gender Bias in Hiring and Leadership
While the policies concerning diversity and inclusion are placed on the charts, many companies still perpetuate gender bias in hiring. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles or promotions, leading to fewer female executives in top positions. Societal perceptions of women’s roles, compounded by workplace discrimination and unequal pay, limit their career growth.
Limited Mentorship and Support Networks
The lack of strong mentorship programmes and support networks for women limits their corporate progress. Unlike men, who have better access to professional networks, women face challenges in finding role models and mentors, further limiting their growth in competitive sectors.
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