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Why our industry needs to bridge the gender pay-gap
Dasgupta suggests that lack of representation is also the reason why a pay gap exists and one that needs to be rectifie...
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Why our industry needs to bridge the gender pay-gap

Dasgupta suggests that lack of representation is also the reason why a pay gap exists and one that needs to be rectifie...
  • Neena Dasgupta, CEO & Director at Zirca Digital Solutions pens down how after decades of debates on issues like gender diversity, equal opportunities, and pay parity things are finally improving for women.
  • She further writes how representation of women in senior positions is still a significant factor of why we see fewer women in the workplace.
  • Dasgupta suggests that lack of representation is also the reason why a pay gap exists and one that needs to be rectified in the future.
Over the past decade, the industry has undergone a major transformation in all aspects. Women today have made great headway. They are fighting odds, braving gender bias and creating a space for themselves in the industry. Women are taking the front seat of all spheres.

After decades of debates on issues like gender diversity, equal opportunities, and pay parity things are finally improving for women. They’re slowly and steadily proving their prowess in the corporate world, making the point loud and clear that they mean business and are here to stay.

Early on in the corporate setup women faced inequalities in their working environment because of a lack of education and learning opportunities because of which they weren’t aware of their rights and capabilities which would help them understand their rights in their workspace.

In today’s day and age women have evolved from being homemakers to professionals but continue to face many challenges where they have to prove themselves capable of competing against male colleagues in various fields including the professional sphere. Even today there are segments of the society that find it hard to accept the fact that women have come a long way

Times have changed. Today with the changes in the society and with economic and technological advancements, the workplace has changed with progressive laws being implemented that has been conducive for the working woman. This has resulted in a massive number of women entering a workforce with a higher position as compared to men.

The modern workplace has changed for the better. Today men and women are working from shoulder to shoulder equally, with equal talent, and understanding this wasn’t the same before. There are ample opportunities for women to become what she wants to without people deciding for her. Organizations today look after women’s safety and their rights.

One can argue that our patriarchal society has been instrumental for the level of inequality faced by women. But now I believe it is high time that we no longer conform to societal nations and rise above these limits. From questions to our work life to other duties, these are questions that women should no longer be answerable to. Our commitment towards work is no less than men and in a way is greater than what men bring to the table, balancing the added responsibilities of a wife, mother and any other roles that we play. The key is to give all employees the freedom to decide their own work-life balance and listen to what their unique needs might be. An ambitious woman for an employer will be one to vie for.

That said representation of women in senior positions is still a significant factor of why we see fewer women in the workplace. It is also the reason why a pay gap exists and one that needs to be rectified in the future. Research from India’s leading diversity and inclusion consulting firm Avtar Group shows that women are paid 34% less than men for performing the same job with the same qualification. This sort of discrimination for whatever reasons attributed to isn’t one that can be taken lightly and shouldn’t be accepted.

As the CEO of an organization I have taken decisions that can be considered ruthless and at other times I have taken decisions while keeping faith in people that have been repaid ten times over. Perhaps that is something that can only be gauged by the sensibilities that a woman in my position can bring. What is imperative however is that unless we can have a greater pool of women working, unearthing great talent and what they can contribute is impossible. The time is indeed right to fix this. - By Neena Dasgupta, CEO & Director at Zirca Digital Solutions