The phrase "breaking the glass ceiling" may bring to mind the scene from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' where the elevator breaks through the factory's glass ceiling.
Today it refers to a more ominous metaphor - one we wish was as easy to break through.
A “glass ceiling” refers to the invisible barrier that prevents the advancement of women and other minorities into positions of power. There are plenty of statistics to back this metaphorical barrier. For example, managers are twice as likely to hire men over women during interviews but women are 25-46% more likely to be hired with blind applications.
Recently many companies have invested in "diversity and inclusion programs" to enhance diversity in the workplace. Improvements due to these programs have been marginal at best and otherwise performative.
What is causing the disconnect between these programs and expected results? The answer lies in the work environment. Over the past few decades, work environments continue to hold on to biases against women and minorities. As a result, certain industries are difficult to navigate if we are not white men.
Another phrase commonly used with "glass ceiling" is the "glass elevator". The phrase was coined in 1992 by Christine L. Williams and was used to refer to men who tap into female-dominated fields and accelerate into higher positions. Men enter female-dominated industries to obtain job stability, financial security and better family benefits.
Written by Anushree Appandairajan
Artwork by Zara Masood
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