Resilence: As a Coping Weapon of Stress for Working Indian Women

Women are entering increasingly diverse work environments, challenging traditional gender roles. Yet these expanded responsibilities, while empowering, also have exposed them to significant stress, impacting not only their well-being but also potentially hindering their economic advancement and overall participation in the workforce. This can create a ripple effect, limiting not only individual growth but also national economic potential. Thus, the present chapter discusses various stressors confronting women and emphasizes the role resilience plays as a significant coping mechanism, especially in an Indian context. Stressors stemming from issues like work-life balance and societal norms in the workplace pose threats to the well-being of women in the workforce. Through an exploration of resilience and its determinants, the substantial role of various factors such as personal attributes, social support networks, and effective coping strategies will be explored in enhancing resilience among working women. Additionally, aspects such as religiosity and spirituality as sources of strength will be discussed owing to their relevance in the Indian milieu. The chapter also explores resilience training programs for women in the workplace, drawing from existing literature. Furthermore, various well-being initiatives by organizations and companies in India that cater to the unique needs of women in the workplace are also explored.