Career continuity, which refers to the uninterrupted progression of a person’s working life, is a key factor in the gender pay gap. Many women face breaks in employment due to care responsibilities, which can hinder their promotion prospects and overall career advancement compared to men. These interruptions often create systemic barriers that limit women’s economic opportunities and professional growth.
Didem Bakar’s experience highlights how care responsibilities can lead to workplace discrimination. With support from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Work-Based Learning Programme, she was able to return to work and gain insight into how workplace rights serve as essential protections against inequality. Her story underscores the need to ensure that care work does not disadvantage women and that fair opportunities are available for all employees, regardless of career interruptions.
The Work-Based Learning Programme, locally known as İŞMEP, is part of the project “Promoting Decent Work for Syrians under Temporary Protection and Turkish Citizens.” This initiative is financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the KfW Development Bank and implemented by the ILO Office for Türkiye in coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. It provides practical support and training to help women re-enter the workforce and build sustainable careers, addressing both skill gaps and systemic inequities.
