CRISIL survey reveals 23% salaried women suffer gender pay gap

A recent survey conducted by CRISIL in collaboration with DBS Bank India has shed light on the persistent issue of gender-based pay disparity faced by women in the Indian workforce. According to the findings, 23% of salaried women in the country perceive a gender pay gap, while 16% report experiencing gender bias in their workplaces.

The survey, which included responses from over 800 salaried and self-employed women across 10 major cities in India, revealed varying experiences among women in different regions. In metropolitan areas, such as Kolkata and Chennai, a significant majority of women feel relatively unchallenged when negotiating their salaries, while in cities like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, a lower proportion shares the same sentiment.

Interestingly, while salary and career advancement remain top priorities for a 69% of salaried women when selecting a job, 42% of self-employed women prioritize independence and flexible working hours over other factors. Surprisingly, remote working does not seem to be a high priority among salaried women, with only 3% considering it essential.

Kishore Poduri, Managing Director, and Country Head - HR at DBS Bank India emphasized the importance of promoting women's active participation in the workforce to enhance their economic independence and decision-making autonomy. He stressed that understanding women's aspirations and preferences better can help organizations tailor strategies to create more fulfilling career opportunities for women, thereby maximizing their potential contributions to the workforce.

The report underscores the need for concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors to address gender pay disparities and create inclusive work environments that empower women to thrive professionally.