ABSTRACT

The study explores the impact of urbanization on working women in India, specifically in Bangalore, highlighting the challenges they face in white-collar jobs. As urbanization has transformed societal structures, working women encounter a range of issues such as mental and physical stress, difficulty balancing family and work, workplace discrimination, and safety concerns. These challenges vary across age groups and marital status, with issues like stereotyping, ego clashes, and the glass ceiling being more prominent for certain categories. The study suggests that improving safety measures, offering supportive work environments, and implementing policies like child care and grievance redress mechanisms can help mitigate these challenges, allowing women to navigate the complexities of urban.

Key words: gender discrimination, health issues, equality, problems and challenges

INTRODUCTION

In the context of urbanization, women in Bangalore have increasingly become a significant part of the workforce, contributing to the city’s economic and social development. Historically, women in India were confined to traditional roles as homemakers, but rapid urbanization, coupled with better access to education, has empowered more women in Bangalore to pursue careers outside the home. The growing cost of living and changing societal norms have led to a shift in the traditional view of women’s roles, with more women now opting to participate in professional fields. However, despite these advances, the cultural, social, and economic challenges remain deeply ingrained.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

Women continue to face difficulties balancing career and family responsibilities, which remain a significant barrier in a society that still largely expects women to take on the bulk of domestic duties.Discriminatory attitudes often begin at the recruitment stage, with many men reluctant to accept women as equals in professional settings, particularly in sectors traditionally dominated by men. This reluctance is compounded by the patriarchal mindset that still views men as the primary breadwinners in the family. Despite the progress brought about by urbanization, the city still faces significant hurdles in achieving true gender equality in the workplace, underscoring the need for both attitudinal and structural changeling and work more effectively ones like teaching, nursing and in clerical sectors. Their capabilities are generally underestimated as a result of which Indian women have a tendency to opt for less demanding jobs even if they are highly qualified. Women have the responsibilities to effectively manage their multiple roles.

RELEVANCE OF STUDY

The impact of urbanization on women in Bangalore has led to significant shifts in their roles, especially for educated urban women who are increasingly aware of workplace opportunities and challenges. Urbanization has facilitated women in breaking traditional boundaries, enabling them to balance domestic and professional responsibilities. However, despite this progress, urban working women still face the burden of dual responsibilities—managing both domestic duties and professional work.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although much has been explored regarding the challenges and progress of urban working women, there is a lack of comprehensive studies focusing specifically on the impact of urbanization on women's roles and their evolving position in Bangalore’s workforce. Research addressing the intersection of urbanization, changing societal attitudes, and women’s dual responsibilities in both family and work is limited, necessitating a deeper exploration of how urbanization influences these dynamics at a local level.

OBJECTIVES

1. To examine how existing legal and policy frameworks in Bangalore address the challenges faced by urban working women in balancing their professional and domestic roles in the context of urbanization.

2. To assess the extent to which societal norms and gender stereotypes, reinforced by legal and institutional structures, impact the role and status of urban women in Bangalore’s workforce amidst urbanization.

3. To explore how urban working women in Bangalore perceive and experience the impact of urbanization on their professional and personal lives, with a focus on work-life balance, career growth, and societal expectations.

HYPOTHESIS

Urbanization in Bangalore significantly impacts the professional and personal lives of women, leading to increased opportunities and challenges, particularly in balancing worklife responsibilities and confronting societal gender norms.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. How do existing legal and policy frameworks in Bangalore address the challenges urban working women face in balancing their professional and domestic roles in the context of urbanization?

2. To what extent do societal norms and gender stereotypes, reinforced by legal and institutional structures, impact the role and status of urban women in Bangalore’s workforce, despite the growth of urbanization?

3. How do urban working women in Bangalore perceive and experience the impact of urbanization on their professional and personal lives, particularly in terms of work-life balance, career growth, and societal expectations?

LITERATURE REVIEW

1.Pandey and Jaiswal's (2020) seminal work, Gender Equality and Sustainable Urbanisation: Analysis, Best Practices, and Recommendations for India, offers a comprehensive examination of the intersection between gender equality and urban development in India. The authors employ a SWOT analysis to assess the current status of urban women in India, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the context of urbanization. They highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by women, including limited access to education, employment, and legal resources, as well as safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure. Drawing from global best practices, the paper proposes a roadmap for integrating gender-sensitive policies into sustainable urban development, emphasizing the importance of education, technological integration, economic development, and political participation. By linking sustainable urbanization measures with gender-sensitive policymaking, the authors advocate for a holistic approach to urban governance that promotes inclusivity and equity for women. This work contributes significantly to the discourse on gender and urban development, providing actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners in India.

2. Sharadambi G. and Dr. Sunitha V. Ganiger's 2018 study, Problems and Challenges Faced by Urban Working Women in Bangalore City, published in the International Journal of Academic Research and Development, provides an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted issues confronting urban working women in Bengaluru. The authors identify key challenges such as work-life imbalance, inadequate childcare facilities, gender discrimination, and safety concerns. Through a comprehensive survey, the study highlights the impact of these challenges on women's mental health and overall well-being. The findings underscore the necessity for policy interventions aimed at creating a supportive work environment, including flexible working hours, improved childcare services, and stringent measures to ensure workplace safety. This research contributes significantly to the discourse on gender equality and urban development, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners striving to enhance the quality of life for working women in metropolitan settings.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This paper has used both desk methodology as well as empirical methodology, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through an online survey conducted among the common people.

FINDINGS

EXISTING LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORKS IN BANGALORE ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES URBAN WORKING WOMEN FACE IN BALANCING THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND DOMESTIC ROLES IN THE CONTEXT OF URBANIZATION

This empirical study looks at Bengaluru's legal and policy frameworks that deal with the difficulties urban working women have juggling their home and professional responsibilities in the face of growing urbanization. The study outlines the advancements made and pinpoints areas that need more focus to guarantee a supportive environment for working women through an examination of current laws, government programs, and urban planning initiatives. Bengaluru, sometimes referred to as India's Silicon Valley, has seen substantial urbanization, which has expanded job prospects for women. But this expansion has also made it more difficult to strike a balance between work and home obligations. In order to address these issues and advance gender equality at work and in the home, legal and policy frameworks are essential.Bengaluru's transformation from a quiet, green city to a bustling metropolis has been driven by rapid urbanization. The establishment of IT hubs like Whitefield and Electronic City has attracted a diverse workforce, including a significant number of women. However, this growth has led to challenges such as traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and rising housing costs, which disproportionately affect working women.India's urban population has surged from 62 million in 1951 to over 429 million today, with projections indicating it will reach 857 million by 2050. This rapid urbanization presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for inclusive policies that address the specific needs of working women in urban areas.

Legal Frameworks Supporting Working Women

1 Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017\

For women employed by companies with ten or more employees, the Maternity Benefit (Amendment)

Act, 2017 increases maternity leave to 26 weeks. It introduces the possibility of work-from-home arrangements after maternity leave and requires that such enterprises have crèche facilities. The purpose of these provisions is to assist women in striking a balance between their roles in the home and at work.

2 Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

This Act provides legal protection to women from domestic violence, ensuring their right to reside in the shared household and access to financial relief, medical aid, and legal assistance. It empowers women to seek redressal and support, thereby enabling them to maintain their professional engagements without the fear of domestic abuse.

Government Schemes and Initiatives

1 Sakhi Niwas Hostels

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed the establishment of Sakhi Niwas hostels within university campuses to provide safe and affordable accommodation for working women. These hostels aim to alleviate the housing challenges faced by women migrating to urban centers for employment or education.

2 Streeshakthi Scheme

Under the Streeshakthi Scheme, which is run by the Karnataka State Women Development Corporation, women are grouped into self-help organizations and given financial incentives and interest subsidies. Women are economically empowered by this program, which allows them to lessen the load of household chores and contribute to household revenue.

3 Udyogini and Micro Credit Schemes

These schemes provide financial assistance and training to women entrepreneurs, facilitating their entry into the business sector. By promoting economic independence, these initiatives help women balance professional aspirations with domestic responsibilities.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

1. Women-Friendly Public Spaces

Bengaluru's urban planning has started to include areas that are conducive to women, like safe public areas and libraries reserved for women. Project Rashmi and other initiatives seek to establish conducive work conditions in government offices, complete with amenities like feeding cubicles and baby changing stations.

2. Public Transport Accessibility

The introduction of women-centric public transport routes addresses the mobility challenges faced by working women. However, audits have highlighted gaps in last-mile connectivity, necessitating further improvements to ensure safe and convenient travel options.

Despite the existing frameworks, several challenges persist are the lack of daycare centers and feeding rooms in public spaces hinders women's ability to participate fully in the workforce,the absence of women's representation in urban planning processes leads to the neglect of their specific needs in infrastructure development and while surveillance measures have been implemented, safety remains a significant concern, particularly during late hours and in poorly lit areas.

THE EXTENT TO WHICH SOCIETAL NORMS AND GENDER STEREOTYPES, REINFORCED BY LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES, IMPACT THE ROLE

AND STATUS OF URBAN WOMEN IN BANGALORE’S WORKFORCE, DESPITE THE

GROWTH OF URBANIZATION

Bengaluru, a well-known Indian city, has seen rapid urbanization and economic expansion, establishing itself as a center for creativity and technology. More job options for women have resulted from this change. Nevertheless, in spite of these developments, women still face structural obstacles that restrict their full involvement and career progression and are based in cultural norms and gender stereotypes. Due to a division of work that is engrained in cultural conventions, women are typically in charge of taking care of the home and providing care in many urban households. Women frequently take on a "second shift" as a result of this expectation, managing both paid work and the majority of unpaid domestic work. Burnout and a lack of opportunity for job progress might arise from such multiple obligations. Women's involvement in the workforce is greatly impacted by marriage and family life.Women are sometimes expected by society to put family before profession, which causes career suspensions or terminations, especially after motherhood. Married women, particularly those with children, struggle to balance work and family obligations, which lowers their rates of employment engagement, according to studies. The idea that women are less dedicated to their work because of family responsibilities is widely held. Frequently to the harm of women, this stereotype affects compensation negotiations, hiring decisions, and promotions. Women's professional advancement and job stability may be impacted by employers' perceptions of them as less dependable or accessible. Even though India has passed labor regulations like the Maternity Benefit Act that are meant to benefit women, these rules frequently unintentionally perpetuate gender stereotypes.

For example, laws that prohibit women from working night hours in some industries in an effort to protect them may restrict their career options and perpetuate the stereotype that women are less able to manage rigorous work schedules. Bengaluru's urban development has frequently disregarded the unique demands of women. Women's capacity to fully engage in the employment is disproportionately impacted by the lack of suitable childcare facilities, secure public transit, and accessible public areas. In order to foster an atmosphere that encourages women's active participation in economic activities, gender-responsive urban planning is crucial. Bengaluru workplaces frequently display structural biases that impede women's advancement, especially in industries like technology and finance. These prejudices can take many different forms, such as unequal compensation, little opportunities for leadership, and a dearth of female mentors. These institutional frameworks support prejudices about women's responsibilities in the workforce and gender inequality. In Bengaluru, women's labor force participation is still lower than men's, despite the city's urbanization. Many women are deterred from entering or staying in the workforce by societal expectations surrounding their duties in the house as well as obstacles at work. In Bengaluru, the majority of women work in lower-status, lower-paying professions including teaching, nursing, and administrative support. Gender norms that define "appropriate" positions for women are the direct cause of this occupational segregation, which restricts women's possibilities for economic independence and career advancement.

Bengaluru still has gender wage disparities, with women being paid less for comparable work than men. Institutional biases that undervalue women's contributions in the workplace and social views about the value of women's labor both contribute to this discrepancy. Gender stereotypes can be broken down and women's full involvement in the workforce encouraged by putting in place policies that support gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, anti-discrimination laws, and family-friendly workplace regulations. Creating urban infrastructure that meets women's needs, such as secure public areas, easily accessible childcare centers, and safe public transit, can ease the stress of unpaid domestic work and encourage women to actively participate in the economy. Gender equality can be advanced, and attitudes regarding women's positions in the workforce can be changed via initiatives that use media campaigns, education, and community participation to challenge and alter gender stereotypes and societal conventions. A more inclusive workforce can be achieved by changing labor laws to eradicate gender prejudices and advance equality. This involves making sure that laws encourage women's full participation in all facets of economic life and updating prohibitions on women's employment in specific industries.

THE WORKING OF URBAN WOMEN IN BANGALORE PERCEIVE AND EXPERIENCE THE IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE, CAREER GROWTH, AND SOCIETAL EXPECTATIONS

Bengaluru, which is frequently referred to as India's Silicon Valley, has seen substantial urbanization, which has expanded job prospects for women in a number of industries. Their personal and professional lives have changed as a result of this transition, especially in regards to societal expectations, career advancement, and work-life balance. In order to comprehend the effects of urbanization on the lives of ten urban working women from Bengaluru, representing a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, this analysis explores their perspectives and experiences. Bengaluru's job market is thriving as a result of urbanization, particularly in fields like education, healthcare, and information technology (IT). But this expansion has also made it more difficult to strike a balance between work and personal obligations. Women frequently balance rigorous work schedules with domestic responsibilities, which can result in stress and burnout.According to a study on female employees in Bangalore Rural District, job-home balance is greatly influenced by elements like job characteristics, emotional health, and interpersonal relationships at home.

Ten women were polled, and those in the IT industry expressed high levels of stress and burnout as a result of their long workdays and continual connectivity. Women in the education sector, on the other hand, reported a more balanced work-life dynamic, which was ascribed to institutional support and more structured working hours. To attain a better work-life balance, all participants agreed that stronger support networks, such as childcare centers, flexible work schedules, and mental health services, were necessary.

In Bengaluru, urbanization has made it easier for women to access jobs and education. Many women have become more economically independent by shifting from traditional roles to non-farm pursuits. According to a study on the state of women's empowerment in urban Bangalore, access to work and higher education are crucial components in fostering women's empowerment.

Higher education and professional training were associated with better career advancement opportunities for the women surveyed. The availability of skill development programs and mentorship programs was specifically cited by women in the IT and healthcare industries as a major factor in their professional development.

However, challenges persist, including gender biases and limited representation in leadership roles. A study on work-life conflict among women employees of select software companies in Bangalore reveals that career-oriented women must manage work and life due to stereotypical roles played. Despite advancements, societal expectations continue to impose traditional roles on women. Women are often expected to manage both professional and domestic responsibilities, leading to role conflicts and stress. A study on work-life conflict among women employees of select software companies in Bangalore reveals that career-oriented women must manage work and life due to stereotypic roles played. Additionally, incidents of domestic violence have been reported, often stemming from rigid gender norms and economic pressures.

Among the 10 women surveyed, those from conservative backgrounds reported higher instances of role conflicts and societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. In contrast, women from more progressive backgrounds experienced greater autonomy in their professional and personal lives. However, all participants expressed the need for societal attitudinal changes to achieve true gender equality. Urbanization in Bengaluru has opened avenues for women's professional growth but has also introduced complexities in balancing work and personal life. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including policy interventions, organizational support, and societal attitudinal changes. The experiences of the 10 women surveyed underscore the need for continued efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for working women in Bengaluru

CONCLUSION

Although much has been explored regarding the challenges and progress of urban working women, there is a lack of comprehensive studies focusing specifically on the impact of urbanization on women's roles and their evolving position in Bangalore’s workforce. Research addressing the intersection of urbanization, changing societal attitudes, and women’s dual responsibilities in both family and work is limited, necessitating a deeper exploration of how urbanization influences these dynamics at a local level,domestic as well as professional lives. Men generally do not offer any help in the households work. This makes the life of working women extremely stressful.

REFERENCES

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Sustainable Urbanisation: Analysis, Best Practices and Recommendations for India, 1

INT’L J. POL. SCI. & L. 1-34 (2020)

2. Sharadambi G. & Dr. Sunitha V. Ganiger, Problems and Challenges Faced by Urban

Working Women in Bangalore City, 3 INT’L J. ACAD. RES. DEV. 219 (2018).

3. https://citizenmatters.in/bengaluru-urban-planning-women-inclusivity/

4. https://www.ideasforindia.in/topics/urbanisation/what-are-the-effects-of-india-s-rapid-urb anisation-on-women-s-empowerment.html