GENDER INEQUALITY IN WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITIES AND PAY: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF EQUAL PAY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA

AUTHOR – KUNAL, STUDENT AT SRM UNIVERSITY, SONIPAT

BEST CITATION – KUNAL, GENDER INEQUALITY IN WORKPLACE OPPORTUNITIES AND PAY: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF EQUAL PAY PRINCIPLES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (8) OF 2026, PG. 774-781, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Gender inequality in workplace opportunities and remuneration remains a persistent issue in India despite constitutional guarantees and statutory protections ensuring equality. The principle of equal pay for equal work has been recognized under Indian constitutional jurisprudence and reinforced through legislations such as the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and the Code on Wages, 2019. However, significant disparities continue to exist in wages, leadership opportunities, recruitment practices, and workplace participation. This paper critically examines the legal framework governing equal pay principles in India and evaluates the effectiveness of their implementation. It further analyzes structural barriers, socio-cultural biases, informal sector challenges, and judicial responses related to workplace discrimination. The paper also compares India’s approach with international standards prescribed by the International Labour Organization and other global instruments. Through a critical legal and socio-economic analysis, the paper highlights the gap between legislative intent and practical enforcement while suggesting reforms to achieve substantive gender equality in employment and pay structures.

Keywords: Gender Inequality, Equal Pay, Workplace Discrimination, Equal Remuneration Act, Wage Gap, Labour Law, Women Employment, India, Gender Justice, Workplace Equality.