A Critical Study Of Legal Protections For Women In The Indian Workforce
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 27
- 1 min read
P. Myvizhi, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), L.L.M (HDE), The Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Taramani, Chennai
ABSTRACT
The rising involvement of women in India’s labour market signifies a transformative shift in the nation's socio-economic fabric. Yet, the journey toward gender-equitable workplaces remains hindered by enduring challenges such as pay disparity, occupational segregation, lack of maternity support, and workplace harassment. While the Indian Constitution, labour legislation, and judicial precedents offer a comprehensive framework for protecting women’s rights at work, their implementation remains uneven, particularly across informal and unregulated sectors. This paper critically examines the legal and institutional safeguards available to working women in India. It explores constitutional provisions, statutory enactments, judicial interventions, and select state-level initiatives. Through doctrinal analysis, the paper further investigates the gaps between legal entitlements and actual enforcement, offering pragmatic suggestions to promote gender-just workplaces and inclusive labour practices.
Keywords: Women Workers, Gender Discrimination, Labour Laws, Maternity Protection, POSH Act, Equal Remuneration, Indian Constitution, Informal Sector, Workplace Rights, Legal Framework
