Organizational Role Stress, Quality of Work Life and Job Satisfaction among Women Executives in IT, ITES, Manufacturing and Service Sectors in Chennai Region

India’s position at 129 in the Human Development Index (2019) highlights persistent challenges
in health, education, and income, particularly for women. Despite improvements in living
standards, women’s labour force participation remains low at 28.8% compared to 80.9% for men,
and continues to decline due to cultural norms, occupational segregation, and socio-economic
barriers. Women remain vulnerable to gender inequalities, climate risks, and workplace
exclusions, slowing overall economic growth. Historical transitions shaped by Western influence,
urbanization, education, and industrialization have shifted women’s roles from domestic confines
to professional and managerial positions. Yet, balancing traditional responsibilities with modern
careers continues to create stress and structural limitations. Drawing on studies such as Parikh &
Shah’s qualitative analysis of women managers, the paper underscores both the progress and
challenges in women’s workforce participation. The findings emphasize the urgent need for
gender-sensitive policies, empowerment, and social change to fully integrate women as equal
contributors to national development.