Why Must Women Continue to Work? | Prof. Smita Chaudhry | Faculty of Human Resources | FLAME University

Even though it may seem obvious to many of us that women must work, statistics highlight the need for an ongoing discussion on this topic. As per the International Labour Organization (2025), global female employment in the labor force is still very low at 50% compared to 80% for males. The gap widens when we consider women in the 25-54 age group with at least one child under six, as their participation is at 53.1%, compared to 95.7% male participation for the same age group. Despite decades of economic development, women’s employment is still an issue that is far from being addressed. But does this issue deserve much importance? My answer is yes, and let’s understand why.

Benefits for Women

Financial independence
Employment provides women the much-needed financial independence. Having their own income and bank accounts empowers women to use their money as they deem fit—whether it’s on their family, education, house, health, children, or themselves. They can decide where they want to invest or how they want to spend. Self-reliance also means freedom from dependence. Working ensures that women have the resources to take care of themselves and their children, no matter what life throws their way.

Security for the future
Working women can build their safety nets—retirement savings, investments for the future, and emergency funds. In times of personal crises, working women are better positioned to navigate challenges without falling into poverty or dependency. Employment bestows not just an income but also access to healthcare, insurance, and a financially secure future, which are critical safeguards in times of need and senior years.

Decision-making and choice
Financial independence contributes to freedom in making decisions and exercising choices. When women contribute to family income, they also gain a voice in key family decisions, especially those with financial implications. They can choose where they live, how they raise their children, what career paths they pursue, and how they spend on themselves.

Confidence and self-esteem
Bringing earnings home can develop a sense of identity and self-respect in women, which they may otherwise find difficult to nurture. This can help them be more assertive in their relationships and decisions at home, enable them to speak up against discrimination, bias, and unfairness, and protect them against domestic abuse and harassment.

Identity and personal fulfillment
Work often offers intellectual stimulation, personal growth, and social connections, which provide many women identity and fulfillment. Work also offers structure, goals, recognition, and an outlet for passion and talents, which can be crucial for a sense of purpose and mental well-being. While some women may find in staying at home—and that choice deserves respect—others thrive on the challenges and achievements that come with professional life.

Economic benefits for the family
Working women can contribute towards improving the quality of life for the family. An income helps purchase comforts and luxuries and access resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. It can help elevate the standard of living, housing, and healthcare, and enhance children’s quality of education. It can also help manage major expenses (e.g., weddings and traveling) and deal with inflation and unexpected outflows. Besides, the income safety net can promote investment in family members to grow and prosper.

Performance benefits for organizations
Workplaces that embrace gender diversity tend to perform better. Several studies show that organizations with more women in leadership roles enjoy higher profitability and efficiency, better decision-making, and more innovative approaches. The inclusion of women promotes a conducive work culture, customer orientation, sustainable practices, corporate governance, and more thoughtful and equitable HR policies (e.g., flexible work hours and child care) that can increase engagement and reduce turnover.

Long-term benefits for society
Women’s contributions, ranging from scientific breakthroughs to artistic achievements, enrich our world. In positions of power, they can influence policies, inspire the next generation, and drive economic growth, leading to the holistic development of societies. In several parts of the world, working women reinvest their earnings into their communities, funding education, healthcare, and local businesses. They are likely to advocate for self-reliance, fair treatment, and equal opportunities for women, which can create a virtuous cycle of well-being and prosperity leading to societal advancement.

Working women are role models for young girls, helping them believe in themselves and achieve their potential. Seeing women in leadership positions, running businesses, and excelling in various fields inspires younger generations to hone their ambition and develop competence. Closer to home, daughters who grow up seeing their mothers work aspire to a career and self-sufficiency, and sons learn to view women as equals, both at home and in the workplace.

Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to work is a personal choice, free from pressure or expectation. But if one chooses to work, the implications are far and wide. Working is not only about earning an income but also about redefining traditional gender roles, breaking stereotypes, empowerment, and self-actualization. It is about economic as well as social equality and progress, touching organizations, families, communities, and societies at large. Surely, women must continue to work.