Gender pay disparity has long been a topic of discussion globally, with women earning significantly less than men in various industries and countries. The recent Global Gender Gap Index for 2022, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), sheds light on India’s position in this regard. India is ranked at 135 out of 146 countries, indicating a substantial gender disparity in economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Despite some improvements in India’s overall score from 2021 to 2022, the country still has a long way to go in achieving gender parity across these dimensions.
One of the key factors contributing to the gender pay gap is the disparity in the type of jobs women are employed in compared to men. Women are often underrepresented in higher-paying management and leadership positions, leading to a lower average salary for female managers. Additionally, women are more likely to be part-time workers in many countries, which can impact their overall remuneration package over time. Institutional and socio-economic issues, such as societal expectations of men as breadwinners and safety concerns at the workplace, also play a significant role in perpetuating the gender pay gap.
The concept of the gender pay gap is distinct from equal pay for equal work, as it measures the average wage levels of all working women and men in the labor market. While some countries have made progress in closing the gender pay gap through policies like maternity and paternity leaves, the pace of change varies across regions. The disparity is particularly evident in mid-career stages for women, where earnings tend to dip compared to men in similar positions. Addressing the gender pay gap requires a comprehensive approach that tackles societal norms, workplace structures, and policies that promote equality in remuneration.
Overall, the gender pay gap serves as a crucial indicator of gender inequality in the workforce, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to achieve economic parity between men and women. Academics and researchers continue to explore the underlying causes of the gap, with the hope of implementing sustainable solutions that promote fair and equitable pay practices for all individuals, regardless of gender.
