The case of gender diversity in the Dutch workforce - From the perspective of women professionals

Women increasingly take part in the workforce, however the numbers of women in management and top positions lag behind. Several initiatives and solutions were presented in recent years, yet this has not proven to be successful. Therefore, in-depth interviews were held with female professionals from the Dutch workforce in order to get an understanding of their experience with gender diversity in the workforce. The interviewees, whose careers are high on their list of priorities, argued they do not feel restrained in making a career within the organization in which they work. They believe that the only thing that stops women from making a career is themselves, in which organisations and media only have a minor role to play. However previous research argues that gender diversity is dependent on the government, organisations or media, this study shows that all aspects are intertwined, together with the societal mind-set. The topic of gender diversity needs to be addressed from different sides and is not purely a women’s or organizational issue and that is what makes the subject so challenging.