Women's work life balance issues in business life and European Union- Turkey regulations

Women have participated in business life in a way that is formed historically according to their period's needs and qualifications, and have gained the status of wage laborer with the Industrial Revolution and immigration from the rural to urban areas. Globalization and technological developments have changed the way of doing things, and made it easier for women to participate in labor force by uncovering the need for a more flexible and knowledge-based labor force. Nevertheless, there are many obstacles women face when entering into the labor force market and sustain their business life. Of all the obstacles, most significant one is the gender-based labor division and gender inequality. Although the roles of men and women in community have started to change with the increasing number of families with dual careers, for many, the only duty of the women is still bearing a child, looking after them and doing the house work. There has been a major development in social political areas with European Union Amsterdam Treaty. Applications such as flexible working, parental leave and child care services which provide work-life balance on equal opportunities for women and men have been regulated with directives and policies. Although there are policies regarding women in National Employment Strategy and Action Plan in Turkey, flexible working forms have not become widespread. On the other hand, non-regulation of the leaves and non-institutionalization of child care services in Labor Law No.4857 continue to effect the business life of women regarding work life balance adversely. In this study, drawing on the literature review and statistics, the status and importance of women in business life have been defined and the factors effecting the women employment have been analyzed. As regards to balance work and life, policies and directives of international institutions especially those of European Union have been reviewed and policies on work life balance of Turkey and European Union countries have been compared.