Beyond Bollywood: This Is Where Gender Pay Gap Actually Exists

Difference in economic opportunity, including pay between men & women, is so vast it’ll take 202 years to bridge it.

(Photo: The Quint) 

Video Editor: Veeru Krishnan Mohan
Cameraperson: Shivkumar Maurya, Sanjoy Deb

It’s 2019 and gender pay disparity is still a reality. A recent survey revealed that women are paid 19 % less than men and the pay gap exists across all sectors. As part of the survey some women also confessed that they feel discriminated against at work.

According to Monster Salary Index (MSI), the median gross hourly salary for men in India in 2018 stood at Rs 242.49, while for women it stood at around Rs 196.3.

But is it true for women who work in corporate sectors too? The Quint went around Mumbai and Delhi to find out if the gender pay gap is a reality in today’s India as far a corporates and bank sectors are concerned.

Job vs Household Chores

It’s true that more women are in jobs today but everything aside, it’s also true that women have to go back home and take up all the responsibility of the house as well. It’s safe to say that a man coordinating with a help at home will be rare sight or will only happen if the woman of the house is out.

“Even at work there are a number of things that keep women bothered. The responsibility to cook, kids, household chores etc.”

Discrimination at Work

A number of women The Quint spoke with said that they feel discriminated against at work.

“Recruiters ask during the interview if you’re married, if you have kids or plan to have kids. It’s definitely a consideration.”

“When recruiters interview you, they say that maternity leave will not be a hindrance. But I was on a maternity leave and I was just not considered for the promotion because I was away.”

Differences in economic opportunity, including pay between men and women, are so vast it’ll take 202 years to fully bridge them, according to the World Economic Forum.