Priyanka Saurabh
Imagine a girl who worked day and night for her career, got degrees, and gathered experience and then… got married! And after marriage? Often the same thing happens, which has been happening for generations—the career either stops or slowly fades into oblivion. In our society, marriage is considered a “milestone” in the life of women. But the question is whether this milestone serves to advance the career road or puts a big brake on it.
Career or marriage: should there really be a choice?
In our society, marriage is considered a “turning point” in women’s lives. But the question is whether this turning point is for pushing forward or for pushing back. Many times, the family, society, and even women themselves think that a career is no longer a priority after marriage. Many times women are forced to think that career and marriage cannot go together. Family, society, and sometimes even women themselves believe that career becomes a lesser priority after marriage. Is this correct? Or is it just a social perception that needs to be changed?
“Now you have to take care of the house!”
How many times have we heard that after marriage, women give up their careers and start “taking care of the house”? If they were in a lucrative corporate job before marriage, then after marriage the question arises—”How will you manage both office and home now?” And the solution is often this—”Give up your career!” After marriage, the family and society often expect women to give priority to household responsibilities over career. Why is this thinking? Is the same expected from men as well?
Sacrifice Sale of Dreams: Wedding Special Discount!
Women’s dreams and careers go on discount like goods on sale. —”Your passion comes later; family comes first!” “Husband’s job is more important; yours was just a time pass!” “If you stay at home, your children will get a better upbringing!”
Mommy Track: Career break or permanent stop?
As soon as motherhood comes, women’s careers are put on the “mommy track.” That is, they are put out of the race for promotion in a side role. They are also given less importance in the workplace because it is believed that now they will not be as committed to a “full-time career.” Many women are forced to leave their jobs after motherhood, while men’s careers are not affected by it. Is this not a form of gender inequality? Can companies support women by adopting more flexible policies?
Are men asked after marriage, “What will you do with your career now?”
No, right? If the same question is asked of women, it itself tells where the problem lies. There are examples of women balancing marriage and career together. Isn’t it possible that marriage brings new cooperation and support for a career? Many couples work together to advance each other’s careers. Doesn’t this require a new perspective?
Rural Women’s Careers: Challenges and Opportunities
In rural India, the career situation of women becomes even more challenging after marriage. Due to traditional thinking, lack of education, and unavailability of opportunities, many women are not able to remain financially independent after marriage. However, change is now coming through self-help groups (SHG), rural entrepreneurship, and government schemes. For example, women are running small businesses through Sakhi Mandal and self-help groups. Many women started their own businesses with the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. Due to the Digital India initiative, women are now doing online business. Women are moving ahead in dairy, tailoring, embroidery, gardening, and agriculture-based businesses.
The effect of marriage on women’s careers
According to the report, only 20% of women in India remain in the workforce, while their participation at the graduate level is equal to that of men. About 47% of Indian women leave their career after marriage. The earnings of married women decrease by 15-20%. 85% of Indian women believe that they face career obstacles due to marriage and children. Workforce participation of women above 30 years of age in India is only 18%, while this number is 78% for men.
Inspiring Case Studies
Indra Nooyi managed to maintain her career despite being married. In her book “My Life in Full,” she has explained how she balanced her family and career and how companies need to create supportive workplaces for women. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (founder of Biocon) built her biotech company despite marriage and society’s expectations. According to her, women can successfully pursue their careers even after marriage if they get support from their family. Tennis star Serena Williams returned to the game even after motherhood and won many titles. She broke the myth that the only option after becoming a mother is to quit a career.
So what is the solution?
Families need to understand that marriage does not mean the end of women’s careers. Men should play an equal role in the responsibilities of the home and children. Companies should provide more flexible job options for women. Instead of looking at career and marriage as opposing poles, they need to be taken together. Men should also be equal partners in the responsibilities of the home and children. Companies should provide flexible working options so that women can easily play both roles.
Marriage can be a new chapter, not “the end”!
Marriage should not mean “the end” of any woman’s career. Rather, it should be a stage from where she can move forward in a balanced way in her personal and professional life. The next time someone asks, “What about career after marriage?”, the answer should be, “What was before will remain the same—only better!”
Families need to understand that marriage does not mean the end of women’s careers. Men should play an equal role in the responsibilities of the home and children. Companies should provide more flexible job options for women. Instead of looking at career and marriage as opposing poles, they need to be taken together. Men should also be equal partners in the responsibilities of the home and children. Companies should provide flexible working options so that women can easily play both roles.
Author is Research Scholar in Political Science,
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