The Impact of the Gender Pay Gap in India

April 27, 2023

The gender pay gap in India is a significant issue that has far-reaching impacts on women's economic empowerment, career growth, and overall well-being. Despite legal provisions and efforts to reduce gender-based wage disparities, the gender pay gap in India remains high, with women earning significantly less than men in most sectors.

One of the main consequences of the gender pay gap is that it perpetuates gender inequality and discrimination, as it undermines women's ability to access equal opportunities and resources. Women are often paid less for the same work, which can limit their economic independence and restrict their ability to make choices about their lives, such as pursuing higher education, starting a business, or supporting their families.

                                                                                                                            Did you know?
In India, the gender pay parity stands at 1.8%, according to a recent Mercer survey. At the executive level, the gap widens to 2.5%, meaning a male employee earns INR 50 lakh annually, and a female employee earns INR 48.75 lakh


The gender pay gap also affects women's financial security and retirement planning. As women earn less than men throughout their careers, they may struggle to save for retirement, which can lead to greater financial insecurity in old age. This, in turn, can have negative effects on women's health and well-being.

Moreover, the gender pay gap has a broader impact on the economy and society as a whole. It reduces productivity and economic growth by limiting the potential of half the population, and it perpetuates poverty and inequality by preventing women from fully participating in the workforce and contributing to their families' and communities well-being.

                                                                                                                                           Read More: 5 Essential Steps Before Starting Business for Women Entrepreneurs

In conclusion, the gender pay gap is a critical issue in India that requires urgent attention and action from policymakers, employers, and society. Addressing the root causes of this issue, such as gender stereotypes, discrimination, and unequal access to education and employment opportunities, is essential to promote gender equality, economic growth, and social development.

Recommended Blogs

Explore inspiring stories, tips, and trends for women entrepreneurs

Blog Thumbnail
Inside The Feast by Women Listed: A First-of-Its-Kind Showcase of Women-Led Food Brands
The Feast by Women Listed is India’s first curated food festival celebrating women-led food, beverage, and lifestyle brands — featuring 100+ stalls, tastings, workshops, and conversations with leading founders.
Blog Thumbnail
How Mmeeta Sharma is Redefining Crystal Wellness with Venus Treasures
A feature on Mmeeta Sharma, the founder of Venus Treasures, and how she is bringing a modern, intention-led approach to crystal wellness through her handcrafted healing tools and personalised guidance.
Blog Thumbnail
10 Women-Led Ethnic Wear Brands to Bookmark from the Bazaar: The Gift Edit
A Women Listed curation of 10 women-led ethnic wear brands from our Bazaar: The Gift Edit, featuring fresh, contemporary and homegrown Indianwear by emerging women founders.
Blog Thumbnail
Inside Women Listed Bazaar: How We Are Curating Women-Led Brands for The Gift Edit
Step inside Women Listed Bazaar: The Gift Edit and see how we are curating women-led brands for a premium, purposeful pre-Diwali gifting exhibition in Delhi.
Blog Thumbnail
From STEM to Storytelling: 5 Women Entrepreneurs on Women Listed in the Educational Toy Space
Explore five thoughtful educational toy brands by women entrepreneurs on Women Listed—blending creativity, learning, and purposeful play.
Blog Thumbnail
Women Listed Is Going Premium — Here’s What Our New Subscription Means for You
We’ve launched the Women Listed premium subscription, a set of annual plans designed to give women entrepreneurs more visibility, deeper support, and better growth tools than ever before.
Blog Thumbnail
From Chronic Illness to Conscious Healing: Arzoo Bhatia’s Haal Chaal Journey
Arzoo Bhatia’s journey from chronic illness to founder of Haal Chaal is a story of purpose and resilience. Through her women-led wellness brand, she blends psychotherapy, energy healing, and natural medicine to support holistic transformation.
Blog Thumbnail
Not Just an Exhibition: What Makes the Women Listed "Bazaar: The Gift Edit" Truly Different
The Women Listed Bazaar: The Gift Edit is not just another exhibition — it's a curated, community-driven space that celebrates women-led brands and meaningful gifting.
Blog Thumbnail
Homegrown Across India: Discover 5 Women Entrepreneurs & Their Young Saree Brands
These 5 women entrepreneurs are building thoughtful, homegrown saree brands that celebrate India’s rich textile heritage — from Assam to Banaras. Discover them on Women Listed.
Blog Thumbnail
Women Listed Mid-Year Recap of 2025: Pitch Meets, Purposeful Event & What’s Coming
From pitch rooms to roundtables, here’s what Women Listed built in the first half of 2025 — and why the second half is packed with even more purpose.