Rising Women’s Workforce Participation in India

December 13, 2024

India has witnessed a notable increase in women’s participation in the workforce, particularly in rural regions, from 2017 to 2023. Government initiatives have played an important role in this development. The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister conducted a study denoting these changes.

Government Initiatives

Various government programmes have been instrumental in boosting rural women’s employment. Key initiatives include ‘Mudra’ loans, which provide financial support, the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative for technology training, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the ‘Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana‘ aimed at economic empowerment.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures the employment status of women aged 15 and above. Nationally, rural women’s LFPR rose from 24.6% to 41.5%, reflecting a growth of about 69%. Urban areas experienced a more modest increase from 20.4% to 25.4%.

Regional Variations

The study reveals substantial regional disparities in LFPR. Rural Jharkhand saw an astounding increase of over 230%, while Bihar’s rate improved sixfold. In the Northeast, Nagaland’s rural LFPR surged from 15.7% to 71.1%. Urban areas generally showed minor improvements, though Gujarat’s urban LFPR increased considerably.

Married women in rural areas exhibited the highest participation growth, particularly in states like Rajasthan and Jharkhand. Conversely, northern states such as Punjab and Haryana continue to report low LFPR. Rural Bihar has shown remarkable progress, especially among married women.

Age and Marital Status Effects

The study indicates that women’s LFPR peaks between ages 30 and 40, then declines sharply. In contrast, men’s LFPR remains high until age 50. Marriage positively affects men’s LFPR but negatively impacts women’s, especially in urban settings. The presence of children under 14 further diminishes women’s participation, particularly for younger women.

The research marks the complex interplay of gender, age, and marital status in influencing women’s workforce participation. About these dynamics is vital for developing effective policies aimed at improving women’s employment opportunities.

GKToday Facts for Exams:
Mudra Loans Mudra loans are financial support initiatives aimed at micro and small enterprises. They empower women entrepreneurs in rural areas, enhancing economic independence and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Drone Didi Initiative The Drone Didi initiative trains women in drone technology. It aims to improve agricultural productivity and create job opportunities for women in rural regions through technological advancement.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana focuses on poverty alleviation. It promotes self-help groups, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and encouraging sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) measures women’s employment status. It indicates growth in rural areas, reflecting changing gender dynamics in the Indian workforce.

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