Women lag behind men by Rs 3.8 lakh in terms of pay: Study

High-potential women in India’s technology sector begin their careers on an equal footing with men, with aspirations similar to the highest levels including that of CEO. Despite this very promising start, a gender gap over the years results in women earning less and receiving fewer opportunities that lead to fewer women in critical senior-level positions and a pay gap that expands over time, according to a Catalyst report.

The report, ‘High Potentials under High Pressure in India’s Technology Sector’, examined 713 high-potential women and men working full time in high-tech organisations and/or technology roles in India. Of these, 31% were women, and 69% were men.

The average age was 33. Globally, women MBAs start at lower positions and pay ($4,600 less on average) than male counterparts, while India Inc’s high potential women and men in technology start out on an equal footing. However, 12 years into their careers, women lag behind men by approximately Rs 3.8 lakh in terms of pay.

“Ensuring pay equity, equal access to developmental opportunities and fl exible and inclusive environments for women is critical for retaining talent in India’s technology sector,” says Shachi Irde, executive director, Catalyst India WRC.