For many years, companies have held biases when it comes to hiring female employees. It’s a known issue – many women have faced questions about their marriage and family plans during a job interview. These personal questions often influenced hiring decisions, as employers worried about women taking time off or prioritizing family over work. Even though we hope things have changed, recent events prove that this prejudice is still alive and kicking.
Janhavi Jain, an Indian marketing professional living in London, recently shared her experience on X. She revealed that during an interview with an HR representative from an Indian company, she was asked, “How old are you?” When she answered that she was 25, the next question was if she was planning to get married soon. In disbelief, Janhavi wondered if such questions were still being asked in 2024.
This HR of an Indian company asked me how old I am and when I said 25, they asked me if I am looking to marry soon???
Is this still happening??
— Janhavi Jain (@janwhyy) November 19, 2024
As soon as her post went viral, comments started pouring in. Many women, and surprisingly a few men, shared their own similar encounters – highlighting how questions about marriage and children are still a norm for female candidates in India. Have a look:
Tbf I was asked the same thing when I was around 26, in the technical round. Still got an offer.
When I eventually did marry, I was approved almost 20 days of leaves. Sometimes it isn’t malice it’s just that the stakeholder needs to plan their projects and hires.
— Siddharth (@CmpoundMindset) November 20, 2024
People are asked when are they planning kids coz employers would not want to give Maternity etc.
— Mrinalini Arora (@MrinaliniArora) November 20, 2024
The day govt takes upon itself to provide Maternity benefits, private cos will hire women more… maternity leaves mean loss of productivity at the expense of full salary…
— Thakkolamblogs (@TSrikanth9) November 20, 2024
I understand that. In the Indian scenario, the marriages happen so suddenly that the girls leave asap leaving employers stranded. Very few are serious enough about joining back after a marriage break. I have also had scenarios where girls have told me they have to ask their…
— Rajeshwari ?? (@matkewali) November 21, 2024
Ya legit question… company cannot give extended off (as needed for marriage) till the time project is completed. For start ups this is a mandatory question imho, asked to both male and female candidates.
— kolkatatheke (@kolkatatheke) November 20, 2024
Ho sakta hai they might have previous candidates or employees who have had some issues managing job and married life altogether isliye pucha ho, nahi to wo orthodox mentality to rahegi hi
— Samvardhan (@samvardhansingh) November 21, 2024
Happening around the world, not just in Indian company. If you are newly married then you have to answer your pregnancy plans. Company works on manpower & they can’t afford leaves & we are unfortunately born with uterus.
— Messilious (@aham_yogini) November 20, 2024
Some things never change. I had once said (which wasn’t true) that “I am married” out of curiosity what they will say next. The next question was “Are you planning for kids in the near future?”
— BharatiyaNari_(IndianGirl) (@In_Space_Tardis) November 20, 2024
This is a harsh reminder that outdated and discriminatory practices still influence the hiring process, and it’s time for companies to move past this and focus on skills rather than personal lives.