Breaking barriers: India’s journey towards gender pay equity – Industry News
– By Neha Bagaria
In the mosaic of India’s economic landscape, the gender pay gap is an issue which has lingered for decades. Despite strides towards progress, the road to true equity remains obscure, casting a shadow on the aspirations of countless women striving for fair compensation in the workplace.
A deep dive into recent data unveils both triumphs and tribulations in this arena, making it imperative that we delve into India’s journey towards gender pay equity. While almost 48% of respondents acknowledge significant improvement over the past decade, a notable 58% have borne witness to or experienced gender-based pay disparities in their careers. These figures underscore the urgency of our collective endeavour to dismantle entrenched inequities even as legislative landmarks such as the Minimum Wages Act (1948), the Equal Remuneration Act (1976), and the 2019 Code on Wages stand tall as beacons of hope amidst the labyrinth of challenges.
Yet, the tapestry of progress is interwoven with threads of adversity. Factors such as career breaks for family responsibilities, workplace discrimination, and the lack of flexibility in work hours persist as formidable barriers to gender pay equity.
Unveiling the path towards equity
Transparency in Wage Structures: Promoting transparency regarding salary structures is paramount in ensuring fairness and eliminating gender bias in compensation decisions. It fosters trust and accountability within organisations. By openly communicating salary criteria and conducting regular pay audits, businesses can eliminate gender bias in compensation decisions, leading to fairer outcomes for all employees.
Gender Sensitization Programs: The program challenges deep-seated biases and stereotypes, fostering a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunities. By promoting a deeper understanding of diverse roles for women, these programs empower employees to recognise and address gender-based discrimination, ultimately contributing to a more equitable work environment. According to a survey, 97% of large enterprises have incorporated such programs within their organisations, while 79% of SMEs and startups have adopted sensitisation programs.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of the workforce through flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, is essential in promoting gender equity. By offering flexibility in work arrangements, organisations enable women to balance professional responsibilities with family commitments, thereby reducing the impact of career breaks on their earnings potential.
Leadership Development Programs for Women: Investing in targeted leadership development programs for women is instrumental in enabling them to ascend to leadership positions and command equitable compensation. These programs provide women with the necessary skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities to overcome barriers to advancement, narrowing the gender pay gap at higher organisational levels.
Mentorship Initiatives: Mentorship emerges as a potent force in bridging the gender pay divide, offering a conduit for knowledge transfer, skill development, and career advancement. By fostering a culture of mentorship, organisations can empower women to navigate the complexities of the workplace, equipping them with the tools and resources needed to shatter glass ceilings and ascend to leadership positions.
Inclusive Hiring Practices: Actively seeking to recruit and retain women in various roles is critical in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting diversity within organisations. By implementing inclusive hiring practices, such as gender-neutral job descriptions and diverse interview panels, organisations can ensure that women are represented across different job functions and levels, fostering a more balanced and equitable workforce.
Forging Ahead
Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is also a pragmatic necessity for sustainable development. When half of the population is held back due to systemic barriers and cultural biases, it severely limits a society’s potential for growth and prosperity.
As we continue our progress on the path towards equity, a key question bears answering – in a world where every mind matters, can we afford to leave half of our population behind? There is a simple answer – in this gender pay equity journey, every thread counts, and every voice matters and it is time to transcend rhetoric and translate commitments into concrete actions that uplift women from the margins to the mainstream of economic prosperity.
By ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, and decision-making processes, societies can unlock the full potential of their human capital and foster inclusive growth. Moreover, addressing gender inequality is not just about lifting women up; it is about creating a more just and equitable society for everyone.
(Neha Bagaria is the Founder & CEO of HerKey.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
