Why in the News?

Union Minister told the Rajya Sabha that more women are now working and looking for jobs. The percentage of women working has gone up from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, and the percentage of women in the labor force has increased from 23.3% to 41.7% during the same period.

• Presently, India ranks 165th out of 187 countries in the world.

What factors have contributed to the doubling of the worker population?

• Increased Economic Engagement: The WPR for women rose from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, indicating a substantial increase in women’s engagement in economic activities.
• Educational Advancements: There has been a notable rise in the employment of educated women. For instance, the employment rate for women with postgraduate education increased from 34.5% to 39.6% during the same period.
• Government Initiatives: Various government policies aimed at enhancing women’s employment opportunities and empowerment have played a crucial role in this increase.
• Rural Participation: A significant factor has been the rise in female labour force participation in rural areas, which jumped by 23 percentage points from 2017-18 to 2023-24.

How does the increase in women’s worker population ratio compare across different regions and sectors? 

• Urban vs. Rural Participation: The increase in female labour force participation has been more pronounced in rural areas, from 24.6% to 47.6%. In contrast, urban participation saw a smaller increase from 20.4% to 23.8%.
• Sectoral Differences: Women are increasingly participating in various sectors, with significant improvements noted in agriculture and informal sectors, which traditionally employ many women.

What are the implications of economic growth and gender equality in India?

• Economic Growth: The rise in women’s workforce participation contributes positively to economic growth by increasing productivity and expanding the labour market. This shift is essential for achieving higher overall economic performance.
• Gender Equality: Enhanced participation of women in the workforce is a critical step toward achieving gender equality. As more women enter the labour force, it challenges traditional gender roles and promotes equal opportunities.
• Income Growth: With increased participation comes improved earnings for women across different employment categories, further contributing to household income and economic stability.

Way forward: 

• Skill Development and Inclusive Policies: Expand skill training programs tailored to women’s needs, particularly in non-traditional and high-growth sectors like technology, finance, and entrepreneurship.
• Strengthening Rural and Informal Sector Opportunities: Invest in rural employment initiatives, such as MGNREGA, and formalize informal sector jobs by improving access to social security benefits, childcare support, and credit facilities for women entrepreneurs.

Mains PYQ:

Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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