Study finds South Asian women are often overlooked and underemployed

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Thu, 03 Mar 2022 15:44:10 +0000

A new report released ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2022) is shedding light on the reasons South Asian women have the highest unemployment rate in Canada and what employers can do to unlock the potential of this growing labour force.

The study, conducted by CulturaliQ in partnership with non-profit organization Pink Attitude, finds that South Asian women are often overlooked and underemployed. The report reveals that despite being among the most highly educated segment of the population, South Asian women feel underutilized at work resulting in more than 50 per cent  intending to quit their current role.  South Asian women are also vastly underrepresented in senior roles, such as at the executive and board levels within corporations, due to barriers in career progression.

The study suggests that the pandemic has created more challenges for South Asian women, with 47 per cent considering leaving the workforce altogether due to the pandemic – compared to the 34 per cent for women in general.

The study also noted that South Asian women are twice as likely to report unfair treatment in the workplace: 34 per cent compared to the 24.8 per cent average of all females surveyed.

The findings are significant given that in 2018 newcomers from South Asia and the Philippines comprised almost 39 per cent of all newcomers in Canada (IRCC figures). According to the 2016 Census, South Asian women are the largest female immigrant labour force and the highest educated in Canada.

Nevertheless, the study also reveals that South Asian women remain committed to professional growth with 71 per cent feeling there is room for upward mobility and 66 per cent feeling empowered in the workplace, the highest percentages of any female ethnic group. Despite the systemic barriers and issues they face in employment, South Asian women remain resilient and are open to explore more meaningful opportunities including new employment, switching careers and going into business themselves.

“The goal of this report is to serve as a starting point. While having data is an important first step, action must ultimately be taken on this information. Leaders in both the government and within Canadian organizations must take meaningful subsequent steps to address the systemic issues South Asian women face,” says Ruby Dhillon, CEO and Founder of Pink Attitude Evolution, in the report.

The publication offers recommendations on actions to support South Asian women in advancing their careers. These include offering opportunities to build new skills, continuing education, and providing mentors who are from a similar cultural background, in addition to amplifying and encouraging internships, co-op programs and educational assistance programs.

You can access the report here.

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