Supreme Court Judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat recently raised concerns about gender inequality in the judiciary and the disproportionate domestic responsibilities placed on women. Speaking at the “Women in Power & Decision Making” conference organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Justice Bhat discussed how these issues affect women’s professional growth.
Women in the Judiciary
Justice Bhat pointed out that while the Madras High Court has the highest number of women judges, the representation is still far from ideal. He highlighted the persistent “glass ceiling” that limits women from achieving leadership roles in the judiciary and other professions.
Domestic Duties and Career Challenges
The judge emphasized that unequal domestic responsibilities are a major barrier for women in their careers. He advocated for a societal shift where household duties are shared equally between men and women.
“Domestic expectations that burden women disproportionately cannot be seen as inevitable,” he said, urging for a collective effort to create a society that values equal responsibility.
Representation Beyond Tokenism
Justice Bhat also discussed the importance of meaningful representation for women in decision-making roles. He cautioned against tokenistic gestures that give women positions without real authority, noting that such practices can undermine true empowerment.
Solutions for Change
The judge suggested several steps to improve the situation, such as:
- Creating supportive work environments for women.
- Addressing institutional challenges through organizational policies.
- Encouraging leadership to be proactive in resolving issues faced by women in the workplace.
He also recognized the increasing number of women in litigation and stressed the need to retain their participation by addressing unique challenges.
Final Thoughts
Justice Bhat acknowledged the irony of being a male speaker at a women-centric event but said his intention was to encourage genuine engagement on these critical issues. His insights underscore the importance of working together to achieve gender equality both at home and in professional spaces.
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