Time To Shatter ‘The Glasses' Ceiling
The Hindu Business Line|November 21, 2019
Can the revolt by women in Japan lead to a global rethink on hiring policies that focus too much on spectacles and appearances?
Chitra Narayanan
Time To Shatter ‘The Glasses' Ceiling

Forget the glass ceiling — the invisible barrier that prevents women from moving up the corporate ladder. How do you combat the glasses ceiling that prevents women wearing spectacles from being hired? Early this month, women professionals in Japan took to social media to protest against the anti-glasses policies at many workplaces.

Several retail outlets in Japan apparently don’t hire saleswomen in frames as “they give a cold impression”, while airlines and hospitality employers feel that wearing glasses can create safety concerns. In addition, there are diktats like wear make-up to work.

Are such biases and mandates prevalent in India?

Says Shailja Dutt, Founder and Chairperson of Stellar Search: “Practically speaking, there are some biases prevalent in India, especially in the hospitality sectors, including aviation and hotels.” These are on account of gender, age and are based on the requirement to be well-presented.

Dutt says the thinking in the industry is that wearing glasses while serving meals in a restaurant has an imminent risk of having them fall down, and god forbid it be on the meal of the guest. “Similarly, during an emergency, in case a flight lands on water, will a flight attendant with glasses be as comfortable saving passengers versus the one in contact lenses?” she asks.

Denne historien er fra November 21, 2019-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra November 21, 2019-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA THE HINDU BUSINESS LINESe alt
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Presents An Opportunity For India

India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The Hindu Business Line

Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?

The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
The Hindu Business Line

How To Put Aircraft To Bed

Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
The Hindu Business Line

There Can Be No Going Back On WFH

Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
The Hindu Business Line

UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data

Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
The Hindu Business Line

With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants

Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
The Hindu Business Line

Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders

Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India

Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
The Hindu Business Line

How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid

China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
The Hindu Business Line

How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office

Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls

time-read
3 mins  |
April 28, 2020