Invisible glass ceiling and obstacles for working women: A glance

 

Invisible glass ceiling and obstacles for working women: A glance

Dr Preetham Pai, Professor, Department of Kaumabhritya-Balroga,

Bharati Vidyapeeth(deemed to be) University College of Ayurved, Pune

The term "glass ceiling" was coined by Marilyn Laden in 1978, when she was a panellist at the women's expo in New York. The term was coined to describe the barriers that women face in their careers. We have commonly come across this term in discussions over the past decade, either in the entertainment industry or the corporate sector.

Though these cultural and caste differences are common to both males and females, women have to face additional barriers.Whereas for men, they have always received support from their fellow men who are in executive positions at organisations, educational institutions or the corporate sector. If a woman has to give an opinion or make her voice heard, let alone get a deserved promotion, she has to work twice as hard and has to fight for it every time. It is never easy for her. Since it is never served on a platter.

Many corporate leaders have publicly emphasised the value women bring to organisations. For example, Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture, has consistently advocated for gender equality, stating that diverse and inclusive workplaces perform better and drive stronger innovation and growth. Yet, despite such endorsements, statistical evidence reveals the persistence of the “glass ceiling.” Women constitute nearly half of the global workforce but hold only about 10% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies and less than one-third of senior leadership roles. According to reports by McKinsey & Company in collaboration with LeanIn.Org, for every 100 men promoted to managerial roles, significantly fewer women receive similar promotions—creating an early leadership gap that widens over time. These disparities in representation, promotion rates, and pay clearly demonstrate that while opportunities appear open in theory, invisible structural barriers continue to restrict women’s advancement at the highest levels.

Figure 1 'The glass ceiling' by toons(cartoon) courtesy Toonpool

These disparities may be because of the century-old tradition that leads us to believe that women are good at only running the household. In the last century itself, we have seen women succeeding at different roles, like being a scientist or a teacher or educational reformer or as a police officer, where she has successfully lead such esteemed positions by example. she has achieved all of this by also taking up responsibilities at home, looking after her children’s needs, caring for her parents and in-laws alike. Somehow, even if the lady is highly qualified, the responsibility of the house fell on her already-burdened shoulders. As girls received education and became qualified, we failed to teach equality between boys and girls at home. In most households, the responsibilities at home and work are inequally distributed among boys and girls. This rule has continued into adulthood. Hence Men are not expected to give a helping hand with the household chores. Whereas the woman has to shoulder the responsibilities both at home and at the workplace. Inequality amongst the sexes is one such barrier that we have created in our society. Since young age, girls and boys should be treated equally at home. Responsibilities, either domestic or professional, should be divided equally among them. If such good habits are inculcated at home, then society will not differentiate between the sexes, and there will be a hopeful future with equal opportunities for both genders.

Therefore, it is high time that we seriously consider the invisible ceiling that lies before us, women. This invisible ceiling can be a privileged male worker getting the best opportunities, a non-cooperative husband who expects the wife to be a stay-at-home mom/being on maternity leave, etc.

Figure 2 Hope for the future. Image generated by AI

So, as women, how do we break this invisible ceiling when it is not visible at all? Some of the pointers that I would suggest are as follows:

·       Strong voices matter: In a man’s world, a lady receives a lot of criticism if she speaks her mind, gives opinions and is generally penalised for it. Without thinking much about the backlash, it is high time that women speak up and share their experiences in team meetings. By doing so, she will be recognised for her exceptional capabilities and will be rewarded with promotions. Visibility leads to recognition, and recognition paves the way for leadership opportunities.

·       Celebration of motherhood: Instead of penalising women through demotions or withdrawal of responsibilities during maternity leave, organisations should recognise and respect this phase as an essential and valuable part of life. Supporting women during maternity fosters loyalty and long-term commitment.

·       Seek Mentorship and Sponsorship: Identify mentors irrespective of sex who are willing to guide, advocate, and recommend women for leadership roles.

·       Upgrade Skills Continuously: Women should invest in soft skills like leadership training, negotiation skills, financial literacy, and emerging technologies to stay competitive, achieve excellence and be indispensable.

·       Negotiate Assertively: It is high time to shed the shyness and not hesitate to negotiate salaries, promotions, and leadership opportunities. Preparation and data strengthen confidence.

·       Build Strong Networks: Professional networks create opportunities. Seek information and experiences independently by attending conferences, seminars, and industry events. This will also expand the reach and help women to break barriers.

·        Share Responsibilities at Home: Having open communication with partners and family members about shared responsibilities reduces burnout and enables career growth.

·        Support Other Women: Lift as you rise. Collaboration among women strengthens collective progress and challenges systemic barriers.

·       Permissible sick toddlers' leave: understanding and having compassion towards a lady who has toddlers at home is very crucial. Supporting her, showing empathy towards her when she has to take leave and take care of her sick toddler, will make her appreciate and respect the company more. Providing flexibility when a child is unwell builds trust and strengthens employee morale.  Women-friendly workplace: Many CEOs acknowledge that women are diligent, honest, and committed professionals. Creating safe, inclusive, and supportive work environments enhances productivity and retention. Institutions such as Bharati Vidyapeeth have been recognised for fostering supportive environments for women employees.

·       Safer environment: Organisations must uphold zero tolerance toward harassment or unlawful behaviour. Standing firmly by women employees and ensuring justice reinforces a culture of dignity and safety.

Breaking the glass ceiling is not only a woman’s responsibility. Governments must help break down barriers for women by strengthening and enforcing equitable policies; organisations must implement transparent promotion systems and supportive workplace practices; and families must nurture equality from childhood. True progress will be achieved only when merit, not gender, determines opportunity. It is high time that we as a society move beyond acknowledging inequality and actively dismantle it—through courage, policy reform, accountability, and everyday actions. The ceiling may be invisible, but our resolve to shatter it must be unmistakably visible and unwavering.

PS: AI has been used to spell-check and grammar-check this article.

This article is a transcript from my main article published in Campus chronicles of Bharati Vidyapeeth (deemed to be university). Please scan the QR code to read my full article, "The invisible ceiling for women-A stark reality

Dr Preetham Pai

Contact details: 8149005256

email:pai_preetham@yahoo.co.in

Potential health benefits of Traditional food for children.

 

    In my previous blog, I had explained the use of lehana to make medicines palatable to children. Similarly, if we have to use or introduce healthy food to children, the preparations have to be attractive, colourful, and tasty. At the same time, these recipes should be time-tested so that the method of preparation does not destroy the potency of the ingredients. Hence, what better way to introduce healthier food than to try out traditional time-tested recipes? We can make some changes in these recipes by adding different vegetables and herbs, which are packed with nutrients and micronutrients and have medicinal value.

Significance of Traditional Food Choices for Children

Traditional diets are not just about recipes—they reflect generations of practical nutrition science. The benefits of such healthy recipes are as follows:

1.Better Digestion and Gut Health
Food items like lightly cooked grains, lentil soups, and fermented preparations are easy to digest and support a healthy gut microbiome. A strong gut improves nutrient absorption and immunity. Breakfast Food items of South India like steamed preparations-e.g  sevige, idiappam and idli are generally served with coconut chutney and sambar. By providing such combinations, these food items complement each other, filling in the nutritional gaps in the accompanying food. Idlis, idiappam and sevige are rich in carbohydrates but deficient in fats, proteins and micronutrients. This deficiency is corrected by having coconut chutney and sambar as an accompaniment with idli. According to Ayurveda, these combinations are tridosha hara, and the addition of dal and herbs like curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) , haridra (turmeric:curcuma longa), hing(asafoetida), Jeeraka (Cumin: Cuminum cyminum L.), Coriander (Dhanyaka: Coriandrum sativum L.) and Methi (Fenugreek seeds: Trigonella foenum-graecum L )in sambar improves digestive fire, immunity, and is packed with proteins, antioxidants, iron and minerals.

Figure 1 Idli sambar .pic courtesy Kind kitchen

2. Balanced Nutrition
Meals like rice with lentils, such as Khichdi, provide a natural nutritional balance because each component complements the other. Rice supplies easily digestible carbohydrates for energy, but is low in certain essential amino acids, such as lysine, whereas lentils are rich in protein and provide the missing amino acids. When combined, they form a complete protein profile, improving overall protein quality without needing animal sources. Lentils also provide fibre, iron, and vitamin B, while rice adds calories and supports easy digestion. The inclusion of spices such as pepper and ginger provides essential antioxidants and builds immunity by preventing cellular damage. All this accounts for the enhanced immunity. The addition of vegetables further enhances micronutrient content, absorption and assimilation. By including ghee in tempering, it kindles digestive fire, promotes intellect and helps the smooth movement of the joints. Thus, this simple combination achieves a balanced intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and micronutrients naturally and synergistically.

Figure 2 kichdi,pic courtsey Jordon Timperly blog

 

3. Fewer Additives, More Real Nutrition
Homemade traditional foods are free from preservatives, artificial flavours, and excess sugar or salt—common in processed foods.

4. Cultural and Sensory Development
Traditional foods expose children to diverse textures and flavours, helping develop healthy eating habits early in life. This also connects children to the culture and its relation to culinary foods.

Nourishing the Next Generation: Benefits of Traditional Foods in Children (with Ayurvedic Insights)

In today’s fast-paced world, children’s diets are increasingly dominated by packaged snacks and ultra-processed foods. While convenient, these often lack the depth of nutrition needed for optimal growth and development. Traditional food practices—especially those described in Ayurveda—offer time-tested, simple, and highly adaptable ways to nourish children holistically.

Ayurvedic Perspective: Food as Medicine

Ayurveda emphasizes that a child’s digestion (Agni) is delicate and evolving. Hence, food should be:

• Light and easy to digest
• Warm and freshly prepared
• Gradually progressing in consistency

This is where classical Ayurvedic preparations become highly relevant.

 Key Ayurvedic Foods for Children

1. Early and Recovery Diets (Light & Digestible)

• Manda (Rice water) – A clear, thin liquid obtained after boiling rice.
  Benefit: Hydrating, easy to digest, ideal during fever or diarrhoea, and as an initial weaning food for healthy infants.

Figure 3 Manda.pic courtsey Telugu one life.

• Peya (Thin rice gruel) – Slightly thicker than manda.
  Benefit: Provides mild nourishment while remaining gentle on digestion.
• Yavagu (Rice porridge/kanji) – Semi-solid gruel.
  Benefit: Sustains energy and is suitable during recovery phases of Gastroenteritis, fever etc
• Yusha (Lentil soup) – Light pulse-based soup (often from green gram).
  Benefit: Easy protein source, supports growth without burdening digestion. This is also beneficial for infants as a weaning food after 7 months of age.
• Mamsa Rasa (Meat broth) – Clear meat soup.
  Benefit: Rich in strength-giving nutrients, useful in undernutrition or convalescence. Beneficial for healthy children above 1 year of age and children suffering from malnutrition and neurological disorders.

 

2. Everyday Nourishing Foods

• Krishara (Khichdi) – Rice and lentil preparation.
  Benefit: Complete, balanced meal; easy to digest and highly adaptable.
• Vilepi (Thick porridge)
  Benefit: Provides satiety and nourishment as the child grows.
• Ksheerapaka (Herbal milk decoction)
  Benefit: Enhances the nutritional and therapeutic value of milk. Immunoboosting ksheerapaka is beneficial for children. Herbs like shunti ( dried ginger) and pippali( piper longum) can be given in this form to treat respiratory infections like cold and cough. This ksheerapaka can be tailored to the child’s needs depending on the disease.
• Takra (Buttermilk)
  Benefit: Improves digestion and gut health, especially in older children.
• Ghrita (Ghee)
  Benefit: Supports brain development, memory, and overall vitality.

 

 

3. Complementary Feeding (6–12 Months)

Ayurveda introduces semi-solid foods gradually for weak digestive fire. This principle can be applied during weaning, and it aligns closely with modern pediatric guidelines:

• 6 months: Start with manda of rice.
• Slowly progress to peya assessing the digestion of the child.
• Then yavagu
• Finally vilepi and soft solids

This stepwise approach ensures the child’s digestive system adapts smoothly.

Modern Science Supports Traditional Wisdom

Research increasingly validates traditional diets:

• Fermented foods improve gut microbiota
• Balanced grain-legume combinations provide high-quality protein
• Homemade diets reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders

Traditional Ayurvedic foods are not outdated—they are foundational.

 

Practical Tips for Parents

• Prefer freshly cooked meals over stored or packaged foods
• Use simple spices like cumin, ginger, and asafoetida to aid digestion
• Maintain meal regularity
• Adjust food consistency based on the child’s age and health
• Introduce new foods gradually

 

Conclusion

Traditional food recipes, especially those rooted in Ayurveda, offer a powerful blend of nutrition, digestibility, and therapeutic value. From the simplicity of rice water to the wholesomeness of khichdi, as mentioned in Ayurveda, these foods are designed to grow with the child—supporting health at every stage.

Reintroducing these practices into modern diets is not just about tradition—it’s about giving children the best possible start in life.

Dr Preetham Pai

Professor

Bharati Vidyapeeth (deemed to be) university

College of Ayurved,Pune

Timings: 9am-5 pm

Dr Pai’s Atri Ayurved clinic

Undri.

Timings: 6pm-7.30pm