Unveiling Entrenched Gender Bias in the Human Resource Management (HRM) Domain across various sectors of Mauritius by using Qualitative approaches

As such the international situation of gender in the HRM domain demonstrates a case of entrenched gender bias and been qualified as a classic case of gender discrimination with an imminent need for more research in this area and this study on gender in the HRM domain in Mauritius fills this much needed gap. This study explores the unequal position of gender in the HRM domain from the various occupational sectors of Mauritius by using the qualitative research methodology of Focus Group discussions (FGD’s). The women who participated in the FGD’s were from the public and private sectors of Mauritius. The realities of women’s occupational lives in the HRM domain were explored during the FGD’s. The conversations were digitally tape recorded, transcribed and the material was analysed by the use of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged were the barriers, hurdles and impediments they experience and also the aspects that they want to change, that would facilitate their progression and advancement, reduce obstacles they face and enable them to make a meaningful contribution in their occupational lives. Though this study mainly focused on women in the HRM domain, the findings could apply unequivocally to women in diverse professions in Mauritius and internationally.