Gender Inequality and Labour Market

Abstract

Gender bias or preferential treatment towards the male child is deeply ingrained in socio-cultural milieu that has exacerbated the discrimination of other forms, namely unequal access to education, health, rights and freedom and eventually leading to labour market bias towards females. The discrimination is experienced not only at the household level but also outside household chores. The phenomenon of increasing gender bias leading to inequality in the labour market with widening differences between male and female is clearly discernible. Women are generally engaged in low-productive jobs in the informal sectors with low wages and earnings. Though, their presence in high-productive and modern-sector jobs has improved yet they form a minuscule proportion. This has widened income inequality in labour market with divergence in educational level, status of work (regular or casual) and work experience. This has been clearly noted even after positive policy initiatives and their improved participation in higher professional education and skill training. From the policy perspective, it is necessary to make secondary education universal and free so that they can move into a higher ladder in education pyramid. Investment in education and appropriate training is indispensable in order to widen their human capital and endowment base.