DBS Bank India and CRISIL's 'Women and Finance' report examines the perceived pay gap among salaried women

DBS Bank India, in collaboration with CRISIL, has released the second report of its comprehensive study titled 'Women and Finance'. This report delves into the professional aspirations and personal lifestyle preferences of salaried and self-employed women across 10 cities in India.

The insights uncovered in this report are likely to resonate with many working women in India’s metropolitan cities. According to the findings of DBS Bank India’s study, the perceived gender pay gap at a pan-India level stood at 23% among salaried women, while perceived gender bias stood at 16%.

The survey, which spanned cities from Kolkata to Delhi, reveals intriguing regional variations in workplace experiences. For example, the majority of salaried women in Kolkata (96%) stated that they do not face challenges in negotiating their pay, while only 33% in Ahmedabad feel the same.

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The report also sheds light on other aspects of women’s work life, including their preferences for workplace policies and benefits. For instance, in Kolkata, 46% of salaried women consider mentorship and career development programs to be the most valuable, while 33% of salaried women in Delhi value childcare support facilities offered by organizations. These findings also highlight the need for organizations to implement family-friendly policies that improve work-life harmony for women with caregiving responsibilities.

Another interesting finding from the report highlights that despite their busy schedules, 66% of female earners in India’s cities prioritise their health by undergoing comprehensive health check-ups in the past year. A similar trend was observed among women at DBS Bank India, where 57% of respondents in an internal survey reported having undergone comprehensive health check-ups during the same period.

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DBS embodies a different kind of bank, and the ‘Women and Finance’ study is an extension of this ethos. Insights gleaned from the study can also enable organisations to gain a better understanding of women's aspirations. Consequently, this understanding can help them in addressing the diverse needs of this cohort so that they can thrive personally and professionally.

As we reflect on the insights from the report, it is also important to celebrate the progress being made towards breaking stereotypes while empowering women to trust in the innate spark within them.