The gender pay gap, as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is a measurable indicator of inequality between women and men in the workforce. It represents the difference between the average wage levels of all women and all men working in the labour market, whether on a monthly salary, hourly, or daily wage basis. This gap is distinct from the concept of "equal pay for equal work," which emphasizes that individuals with the same qualifications and performing the same work should receive equal pay, regardless of gender.

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Several key reasons are contributing to the gender pay gap

• Gender Roles and Workforce Participation: Traditional societal notions about gender roles often lead to women being underrepresented in higher-paying jobs or industries. Women's workforce participation rates globally are lower than men's, with women making up about 47% of the global labour force compared to 72% of men. In India, the workforce participation rate for women is notably lower at 25.51% compared to 53.26% for men (as per the 2011 Census).
• Occupational Segregation: Women are often clustered in lower-paying sectors or roles, such as caregiving, teaching, or administrative positions. This occupational segregation contributes to the overall wage disparity between men and women.
• Barriers to Advancement: Women face barriers in career advancement, particularly in accessing managerial or leadership positions. The ILO's Women in Business and Management report highlights that fewer women hold management and leadership roles, especially at higher levels. When women do reach managerial positions, they may tend to focus on support activities rather than strategic roles, impacting their average compensation compared to male counterparts in similar positions.
• Unequal Distribution of Unpaid Work: Women tend to bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid caregiving and domestic responsibilities, which can limit their ability to work full-time or pursue higher-paying opportunities.
• Methodological Differences in Calculating the Gap: Different methods of calculating the gender pay gap can yield varying results. For instance, Pew Research in 2012 reported that women in the US earned 84% of what men earned, while the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 81 cents to the dollar. These differences can arise from using different metrics such as hourly wages versus weekly wages and considering only full-time workers in calculations.

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The gender pay gap persists as a complex issue influenced by societal norms, occupational dynamics, career progression barriers, and unequal distribution of responsibilities. Addressing these underlying factors requires concerted efforts from policymakers, employers, and society as a whole to promote gender equality, fair pay practices, and create opportunities for women's advancement in the workforce.

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