“AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF MATERNITY BENEFITS AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT”

AUTHOR – VARSHA R, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMIL NADU DR AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – VARSHA R, “AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF MATERNITY BENEFITS AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN EMPLOYMENT”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (5) OF 2026, PG. 576-584, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract:

This research examines the intricate relationship between maternity benefits and women’s employment rights in the contemporary workplace. The study analytically explores the legal frameworks, policy implementations, and practical challenges surrounding maternity protection across various jurisdictions. Through a comprehensive review of international labour standards, national legislation, and organizational practices, this research investigates how maternity benefits impact women’s career progression, economic security, and workplace equality. The study addresses critical dimensions including statutory maternity leave provisions, wage compensation during maternity, job security guarantees, breastfeeding accommodations, and protection against pregnancy-based discrimination. It analyses the effectiveness of existing legislative measures in balancing employers’ interests with women’s reproductive rights and economic participation. The research further examines disparities in maternity benefits across different employment sectors, socio-economic groups, and geographical regions. Key findings reveal significant gaps between policy formulation and ground-level implementation, highlighting persistent challenges such as workplace discrimination, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and limited coverage for informal sector workers. The study also evaluates the role of maternity benefits in promoting gender equality, enhancing women’s labour force participation, and supporting work-life balance. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on women’s rights by proposing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, employers, and advocacy groups to strengthen maternity protection frameworks and advance substantive gender equality in employment.

Keywords: Maternity benefits, women’s employment rights, gender equality, labour legislation, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, work-life balance.