Hidden Truth: Women Conceal Marriage, Maternity Plans Amidst India's Gender Pay Gap

• Naukri.com report reveals many women hide marriage or maternity plans during job interviews/discussions fearing discrimination.
• India's gender pay gap remains significant, with women earning 15-20% less than men for comparable roles, widening at senior levels.
• Progress is uneven; sectors like technology, finance, manufacturing show wider gaps at senior levels, while healthcare/education lack leadership representation.
• Employers often view marriage and motherhood as career interruptions, reinforcing bias despite the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
• Companies must adopt pay transparency, regular audits, equal parental leave, flexible work, and mentorship to close the gender pay gap.