Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Equality: Analyzing Progress and Setbacks

This study explores the persistent issue of gender pay disparity and workplace inequality in India by employing a quantitative, closed-ended survey method. With a structured questionnaire administered to 600 full-time employees across five major sectors—of which 384 valid responses were analyzed—the study aims to quantify gender-based wage disparities, examine perceptions of workplace fairness, identify structural barriers, and evaluate the awareness and effectiveness of legal and organizational redressal mechanisms. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across gender, sector, and job levels, while SPSS-based statistical analyses revealed pronounced perceptions of wage inequality, particularly among female respondents. The findings indicate that organizational pay transparency is limited, promotions are not widely perceived to be merit-based, and cultural norms continue to restrict women’s career advancement. Legal awareness is low, with only a third of respondents considering existing redressal mechanisms effective. Sectoral disparities were notable, with education and healthcare exhibiting higher perceived inequality than IT or retail. The study contributes significantly to the literature by offering first-hand, employee-level insights often absent in macroeconomic analyses. Its findings underscore the urgent need for intersectional and targeted policy interventions, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and greater organizational commitment to gender equity. This research bridges a critical gap in the Indian gender equality discourse by aligning perceptual data with policy assessment and practice.