This gender analysis presents insights into gender inequalities in the arts and culture sector in India with a focus on the issues impacting women. The study investigates cultural biases, social norms, gender stereotypes and structural barriers that impact women’s journeys in creative professions. Covering sectors that the British Council is engaged with, it explores crucial aspects like women’s working conditions, access to digital technology and gender pay gaps. It also looks at programmes, projects and practices of a range of stakeholders from a gender perspective, with a view towards uncovering potential collaborations and partnerships. 

Key findings

• Over representation of women in lower levels in the sector and consequent under valuing of their economic contributions
• Women’s work in the sector is often informal, insecure, part time and poorly paid
• A persistent gender pay gap
• Lack of women’s representation in leadership and decision making roles
• Gender based violence across various creative professions
• Gender digital divide is a barrier to benefiting from digital technology
• Lack of safe access to public spaces impedes women from participating and benefiting from cultural activities
• Gaps between policy commitments and actual working conditions of women

The report provides recommendations to strengthen the evidence base on gender issues in the sector, create fair and equal access to opportunities for women creative professionals and highlights the importance of multi stakeholder partnerships and collaborations in achieving gender equality. The report aims to serve as a reference point to initiate a broader discussion on gender equality in the arts and culture sectors in India.