No vacancy for women: India Inc tightens scrutiny of women jobseekers

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Such discriminatory demands may be illegal in many countries, but in India, the above-mentioned bank-backed fund house is one among many employers subjecting female jobseekers to increased scrutiny based on perceived biases against women in a tightening job market, company officials and recruiters told ET.

Empower Your Corporate Journey with Strategic Skill Courses

While more often female candidates are indirectly and subtly probed, it is indeed an important criterion in selection amid shrinking team sizes, more people chasing fewer jobs, and pressure on margins, they said.

“Employers definitely want to know as it is a cost that they have to budget,” said the head of a leading search firm, who did not wish to be named. “Such conversations do happen more frequently between a recruiter and HR manager these days than in the past.”

It is a setback to the overall drive to increase women’s participation in the workforce.

While such bias and stereotyping of women have always been there, a tougher job market has exacerbated the issue, experts said.

“There is typically discrimination against women who are married and haven’t had a kid and many companies fear that they may go into a maternity break soon after onboarding,” said Naina Lal Kidwai, chairperson Rothschild & Co Indía.

“The difference today is many companies – especially MNCs – have a policy that you cannot directly ask that question,” she said. “The issue may have exacerbated at times when companies are looking keenly at productivity and costs, especially in