Is the Gender Pay Gap in India Driven by Maternity Breaks and Workplace Bias?
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Synopsis
A recent survey reveals that a significant portion of Indian job seekers believe the gender pay gap exceeds 20%. Maternity breaks and workplace bias are cited as primary factors driving this disparity, particularly in sectors like IT, pharma, and automotive. Understanding these insights is crucial for driving change and ensuring equality in the workplace.
Key Takeaways
- 45 per cent of job seekers believe India's gender pay gap exceeds 20 per cent.
- 51 per cent cite maternity breaks as the main cause of pay inequality.
- The IT sector is perceived as having the widest gender pay gap.
- Urban centers like Noida and Gurgaon are calling for greater pay transparency.
- Performance-led promotions could significantly reduce the pay gap.
New Delhi, Sep 18 (NationPress) Nearly half of job seekers (45 per cent) believe that India’s gender pay gap surpasses 20 per cent, with maternity-related career breaks and workplace bias identified as the primary factors, according to a survey report released on Thursday.
A survey conducted by Naukri across 80 industries revealed that 51 per cent of professionals cited maternity breaks as the leading cause of pay inequality between genders.
Around 27 per cent pointed to workplace bias, reflecting the perceptions of women in the workplace.
The strongest views were observed in the IT (56 per cent), pharma (55 per cent), and automotive (53 per cent) sectors.
Among professionals with 5-10 years of experience, 54 per cent, and those with 10–15 years of experience, 53 per cent, reported significant impacts of career breaks, the report indicated.
Half of the respondents identified the IT sector as having the most pronounced gender pay gap.
Sectors such as aviation (57 per cent) and education (52 per cent) significantly outstripped real estate (21 per cent), FMCG (18 per cent), and banking (12 per cent) in their perceptions of pay disparity. Traditional industries like Oil & Gas and Retail presented a more optimistic outlook.
The perception of the gender pay gap was notably strong among younger professionals, new entrants, and mid-level employees, who pinpointed IT as the most significant offender, according to the report.
Technology hubs like Hyderabad (59 per cent) and Bengaluru (58 per cent) led concerns regarding IT pay inequities.
The survey revealed that senior professionals perceive the gender pay gap more acutely. Nearly half of those with 10-15 years (46 per cent) and 15+ years (47 per cent) of experience believe the gap remains over 20 per cent.
Respondents overwhelmingly indicated that performance-driven promotions could help close the pay gap. Additionally, bias-free and transparent hiring (27 per cent) and transparent pay practices (21 per cent) were also widely supported, especially in urban clusters like Noida and Gurgaon, where demands for pay transparency were most pronounced.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize that the gender pay gap is a multifaceted issue that requires immediate attention. The insights from this survey highlight systemic challenges that professionals face, particularly women. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of fairness but essential for fostering a more equitable workforce in India.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to the gender pay gap in India?
The primary factors include maternity-related career breaks and workplace bias, as highlighted by a recent survey.
Which sectors are most affected by the gender pay gap?
Sectors such as IT, pharma, and automotive report the highest perceptions of the gender pay gap.
How can the gender pay gap be addressed?
Implementing performance-led promotions and ensuring bias-free hiring practices are essential steps towards bridging the pay gap.
