Rights and Realities: A Comparative Analysis of Laws and Policies for Working Women in India and the UK

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience by comparing workplace protections for women in India and the United Kingdom. Through an analysis of key statutes — including India’s Maternity Benefit Act, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, and Equal Remuneration Act, alongside the UK’s Equality Act 2010, Shared Parental Leave Regulations, and workplace harassment guidelines — the research investigates how each legal framework addresses gender equity, maternity rights, and safety at work. Using primary legislation, policy documents, and secondary legal commentary, this study examines the scope of protections, the strength of enforcement mechanisms, and the gap between law and practice. The paper also considers cultural and institutional factors that influence implementation, from entrenched gender norms to the role of regulatory agencies. By placing India and the UK side by side, this comparative analysis illuminates best practices, persistent shortcomings, and pathways toward more equitable workplaces globally.