Why Do Women Struggle to Advance in Their Careers? Expert Reveals the Three Main Barriers

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – Women are still considered to face a number of challenges in achieving senior positions or executive roles in the working world. According to recruitment professional and founder of Headhunter Indonesia, Haryo Suryonsumarto, there are at least three main barriers that are often encountered and affect women’s promotion opportunities.

The first challenge is the double burden experienced by female professionals. According to Haryo, women are often seen as unstable because they are still associated with domestic matters such as childcare and household management.

This double burden unconsciously influences women’s decisions in pursuing their careers. According to Haryo, not a few female candidates reject job promotions because they worry about not being able to divide time between work and family.

“Many married women reject promotions at companies because they fear they can’t manage their time. Because they want to be good mothers and good wives, they don’t want to take on strategic positions at work. This is the main challenge,” said Haryo when contacted by Republika last April.

Haryo believes the solution to this issue is for women to have the courage to pursue their ambitions without feeling guilty. He emphasises that career and family should not be viewed as two things that mutually sacrifice each other.

“So don’t feel that if I prioritise family, then my career must be sacrificed. Or if I pursue career ambitions, then my family must be sacrificed. This is about time management and priorities that must be arranged in such a way that nothing is sacrificed,” said Haryo.