Women, Muslims earn less in India

The British international humanitarian organization Oxfam's India 2022 Discrimination Report blamed "the prejudices of society and employers" on women's low wages.

Other groups also face discrimination in the job market, TRT Haber reports referring to the report.

It was stated that these groups included those at the bottom of the caste system, tribes and members of the Muslim community.

Researchers looked at government data on jobs, wages, health, and access to agricultural credit within various social groups from 2004 to 2020 and used statistical models to measure discrimination.

It was stated that men earn an average of 4,000 rupees (approximately $50) per month than women, non-Muslims earn an average of 7,000 rupees more than Muslims, and those at the bottom of the caste system earn an average of 5,000 rupees less than others.

The report noted that high levels of gender discrimination led to the existence of "a large segment of skilled women who are unwilling to participate in the labour market because of household responsibilities or social status".

"Discrimination in the labour market is when people with the same abilities are treated differently because of their identity or social background," said Amitabh Behar, chief of Oxfam's India. said.

Behar noted that inequality against women and other social groups stems not only from inadequate access to education or work experience but also from discrimination.

Noting that the reflection of discrimination in Indian society is not only social and moral but also economic and has negative consequences for society, Behar said that the government, political parties, policy makers and civil society must work together to build a discrimination-free India.