Open Access Research Article

GENDER EQUALITY AND SAFE WORKPLACES FOR WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN INDIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR LAW FRAMEWORK

Author(s):
SWATI.V SWATHI.M
Journal IJLRA
ISSN 2582-6433
Access Open Access
Volume 3
Issue 7
Download PDF Open PDF Citation Search Scholar

Abstract

Abstract The participation of women in India's workforce has increased significantly over the past few decades, yet achieving substantive gender equality and ensuring safe workplaces continue to pose major challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity, women employees frequently encounter gender-based discrimination, unequal remuneration, workplace harassment, unsafe working conditions, and barriers to career advancement across both the organised and unorganised sectors. The evolving nature of employment, including the growth of contractual, platform, and gig work, has further exposed gaps in the existing labour law framework, raising concerns regarding the adequacy and accessibility of legal protection for women workers. This research critically evaluates the effectiveness of the Indian labour law framework in promoting gender equality and ensuring safe workplaces for women employees. It examines the constitutional provisions, key labour legislations, including the Labour Codes, the Equal Remuneration provisions incorporated under the Code on Wages, 2019, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (as amended), and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The study further analyses judicial interpretations, policy initiatives, and India's obligations under international labour standards and human rights instruments to assess the extent to which the legal framework conforms to principles of equality, dignity, and decent work. Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology, supplemented by a comparative and policy-oriented analysis, the study identifies legislative gaps, implementation challenges, institutional deficiencies, and enforcement barriers that undermine the effective protection of women employees. Particular attention is given to issues relating to workplace harassment, gender discrimination, maternity protection, equal remuneration, occupational safety, and the emerging challenges faced by women engaged in informal, contractual, and platform-based employment. The study seeks to contribute to the existing body of labour law scholarship by proposing legal and policy reforms aimed at strengthening gender-responsive labour governance and ensuring effective enforcement of workplace rights. It argues that a comprehensive and inclusive labour law framework, supported by robust institutional mechanisms and accountability measures, is essential for creating safe, equitable, and discrimination-free workplaces. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, legislators, employers, judicial institutions, and researchers engaged in advancing gender justice and labour rights in India.

Published Paper

PDF Preview
Download Open

Author Details

Authors: SWATI.V & SWATHI.MRegistration ID: 1013250 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13250 & IJLRA13251Year: Oct-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 7Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, IndiaPage No.: 69-92

Article Information

GENDER EQUALITY AND SAFE WORKPLACES FOR WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN INDIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE LABOUR LAW FRAMEWORK

Authors: SWATI.V, SWATHI.M

  • Journal IJLRA
  • ISSN 2582-6433
  • Volume 3
  • Issue 7
Citation Download Paper Full Details Search on Google Search on Google Scholar

About Journal

International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis

  • AbbreviationIJLRA
  • ISSN2582-6433
  • AccessOpen Access
  • LicenseCC 4.0

All research articles published in International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis are open access and available to read, download and share, subject to proper citation of the original work.

Creative Commons

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis.

Current Issue

Ethics and Policy

For Authors