The Gender Pay Gap in India

In our country, women are never compensated fairly for any kind of work they do. Given this reality, it becomes even more challenging for women to receive recognition for the extensive emotional labor they take up throughout their lives.

Why is it that women are never recognized for their work fairly, be it in their homes, workspace, and sometimes even in classrooms? Yes, that kind of person still exists. Unless you have not been living under a rock, it might not be hard to believe that there are still people who never understand the importance of girl child education and consider it a waste of money. Flash news people, it’s damn 2023, time to wake up.

But surely the poor mentality of such people in India must be low compared to the educated ones with a progressive mindset right? Well, it seems not to be the case from what we can see for ourselves. If the so-called educated people have treated their female counterparts right, then why is still a very less population of women in top managerial positions? It’s not like every woman would have rejected those positions and preferred to stay away from such powerful positions. So, what when wrong and where?

The Unstaggering Bias

Just because someone is a woman they are being judged in some way or the other. Either through their capability to do some work, their decision-making skills, or their potential as a leader. This is so unfair. Have you ever heard of a man being rejected from a job post just because of his gender, which is something that is absolutely out of one’s control? Then why is it happening only in the case of women?

Assassinating a women’s character is just as easy as throwing a stone on the pond. It is the essential part of gossip and one just does it simply because they feel like it, say out of boredom. Get a life, people! It is not only men who do that even fellow women colleagues join in, which is pathetic, to say the least. What happened to girl power? Aren’t we supposed to stand up for each other?

Such kind of discrimination and biases in the workplace also contribute to the pay disparity. Women frequently face challenges in receiving fair compensation, promotions, and access to leadership positions. Unconscious biases can influence decision-making processes, inadvertently hindering women’s progress and earning potential.

Work-life balance and caregiving responsibilities also play a role in perpetuating the gender pay gap. Women often bear the burden of managing both their professional careers and domestic responsibilities, leading to career breaks, part-time employment, or reduced working hours. These interruptions can impact earnings and career advancement opportunities, further widening the pay gap.

Closing the Never-ending gap

Closing the gender pay gap in India may seem like a daunting task, but together, we can make it happen. How you ask? The first step is a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and policymakers.

Encouraging Equal Opportunity: Employers need to adopt policies that promote equal opportunity, fair recruitment practices, and transparency in compensation. Organizations must actively work towards eliminating biases in hiring, promoting diversity, and implementing pay equity measures.

Promoting Gender-Inclusive Policies: The government can play a crucial role by implementing and enforcing policies that promote gender equality. Measures such as paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and affordable childcare facilities can support women in maintaining their careers while balancing familial responsibilities.

Promoting Financial Literacy: Empowering women with financial literacy can equip them to negotiate better wages and navigate their financial futures effectively.

Encouraging Mentoring and Sponsorship: Mentoring and sponsorship programs can provide women with valuable guidance, support, and opportunities for career advancement. Encouraging women’s representation in leadership roles can create a positive ripple effect, inspiring future generations and challenging traditional gender norms.

So, all we need is a little determination, a sprinkle of equality, and a whole lot of girl power. And maybe in the future, we could break down the barriers and make equality the norm.