My story of workplace struggle. I remember my first boss he was so inconsiderate. When I informed him about my accident, his first question was, “How did you meet with an injury?” I told him it was an internal injury, and he just slammed the door in my face. Why? just because I took some days off to recover? That moment stuck with me. It was a reminder that women’s workplace struggles, especially the ones that aren’t visible, are often dismissed.
Recently, Neha Kakkar has been in the news, and her story resonates with so many women workplace struggle. Whether it’s dealing with personal heartbreaks, public scrutiny, or just the unrealistic expectations society places on women, she has been through it all. And yet, like countless other women, she continues to show up, work hard, and smile for the world. But what about the unseen pain of workplace struggle?
Why Women’s Workplace Struggles Are Often Overlooked
Women are expected to be strong, resilient, and graceful in the face of adversity. If they express their pain, they are “too sensitive.” If they endure it silently, they are taken for granted. This isn’t just about celebrities like Neha Kakkar it’s about every woman who has ever been told to “just deal with it.”
1. The Burden of Expectations
Women juggle multiple roles career professionals, caregivers, mothers, wives, daughters. The moment they falter, questions arise. Why isn’t she balancing everything? Why is she taking a break? What is the workplace struggle in this? The pressure is suffocating.
2. Emotional Trauma Is Not Drama
Whether it’s a public breakup or a personal struggle, women’s emotions are often mocked. Neha Kakkar faced brutal trolling after her emotional breakdown post-breakup. How often do we see women being called “too emotional” when they are simply expressing their pain? Emotional trauma is real, and dismissing it only worsens the struggle.
3. Workplace Struggles: A Daily Battle
Women face constant challenges in the workplace—whether it’s being overlooked for promotions, dealing with inappropriate comments, or being questioned about their commitment simply because they are women. If a woman takes maternity leave, she risks being seen as a liability. If she speaks up against unfair treatment, she’s labeled “difficult.” The struggle at workplaces is real, and it’s time organizations step up to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
How Society Can Do Better
1. Stop Judging, Start Listening
Instead of questioning a woman’s pain, try listening. If your colleague says she isn’t feeling well, don’t roll your eyes—offer support. If your friend is going through heartbreak, don’t say, “Move on already.” Validate her feelings.
2. Mental Health Matters
The pressure on women to keep up appearances, even when they’re struggling, leads to severe mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, and burnout are often ignored because society tells women to be “strong.” Strength isn’t about enduring silently—it’s about knowing when to ask for help. If you’re struggling, reach out to mental health professionals. Resources like Sangath and NCW Helpline can offer support.
3. Workplaces Need to Do Better
Workplaces must stop penalizing women for needing breaks. Maternity leave, menstrual health, and mental health days shouldn’t be seen as privileges—they’re necessities. If your workplace doesn’t support this, start conversations about it. Organizations like Goa State Women’s Commission offer legal support for workplace discrimination.
A Note to Every Woman Reading This
You don’t have to prove your strength to anyone. Strength isn’t about enduring silently it’s about knowing when to ask for help. Just like mindful parenting helps in raising emotionally resilient children, women need a supportive environment to heal and thrive.
Whether you’re recovering from heartbreak, facing workplace bias, or struggling with mental health your feelings are valid. Take your time. Seek help when needed. And remember, you are not alone.
Let’s change the narrative. Let’s create a world where women’s struggles are acknowledged, respected, and supported.
For more on mental health, parenting, and women’s rights, visit Mumoo Talks.