The key change needed to foster real progress for women
TO break free from gender stereotyping and the traditional or modern cultural expectations of women’s roles is the key change needed by society to create real progress for women. This change is crucial to recognising, affirming, and fostering women’s contributions, thus creating genuine, prejudice-free opportunities for progress.
Traditional gender roles, especially rigid and inflexible ones, often assign exclusive domestic and caregiving responsibilities to women, limiting the recognition of their potential for other societal contributions. Consequently, these expectations discourage assertiveness in women, restricting their career advancement and decision-making power, even within the home — ironically considered their primary domain. A natural outcome of this is the under-representation of women in senior leadership roles, despite their high levels of education and qualifications.
Conversely, modern cultural norms suggest that for women to be seen as progressive, they must pursue careers outside traditional home-making roles. Although physiological and psychological differences between genders exist, career-driven women are often expected to take on caregiving and nurturing responsibilities at work more than their male counterparts. Moreover, they are pressured to maintain traditional home-maker roles while achieving a work-life balance, even at the height of their professional success.
Real progress for women requires dismantling the polarised outlook that a home-maker lacks strength or assertiveness compared to a career-driven woman. Progress will come when women feel equally comfortable, confident, and recognised for their contributions, regardless of whether they choose to be career professionals, entrepreneurs, or full-time nurturers. Society must collectively foster and acknowledge diverse pathways that fulfil purpose, whether in the corporate boardroom, the home, or a balanced combination of both.
As a woman, I have contributed to this change by informally mentoring young women. I encourage them to understand that equality does not always guarantee equity in perception and reward. I advise them to avoid emotional reactions, remain authentic, be productive, and develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Most importantly, I endeavour to inspire them to confidently pursue the career paths they choose with a liberated mindset.
Meet Carolyn Marie Smith
Carolyn Marie Smith is the ice-president for Student Services at Northern Caribbean University. She was formerly associate vice-president for Student Services, as well as director of Career & Employment Services. She was the Jamaica Observer’s Career Advisor for several years.
