Recent government initiatives and evolving social norms are enhancing women’s workforce participation in India.

Women’s Workforce Participation

• Economic Growth: Greater female participation boosts national productivity and contributes to Viksit Bharat@2047. 
  • It also enhances innovation, inclusivity, and balanced representation across industries.

Key Findings from PLFS (2023-24)

• Women’s workforce participation: 40.3% (compared to 76.3% for men).
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Increased from 23.3% (2017-18) to 41.7% (2023-24).
• Employment Rate: Grew from 22% (2017-18) to 40.3% (2023-24).
• Rural Employment: 46.5% (2023-24), up from 23.7% (2017-18) (+23 percentage points).
• Urban Employment: 26% (2023-24), up from 18.2% (2017-18) (+8 percentage points).
• Challenges: Childcare, personal commitments, and social norms still limit participation.
• Opportunities: Higher education access and government initiatives are gradually improving inclusivity.

Reasons for Female Non-Participation in the Workforce

• Domestic Responsibilities : 43.04% of women (2023-24) cited household duties as the main reason for not working.
  • Policy Solutions: Crèche facilities & flexible work arrangements can help balance work and family life. 
  • “Working Women Hubs” (proposed by the Ministry of Labour) aim to provide shared workspaces & childcare facilities to ease workforce entry.
• Continuation of Education: 37.94% of women (2023-24) stayed out of work to pursue education (up from 33.16% in 2020-21).It enhances employability in higher-skilled jobs & long-term careers.
• Social Constraints: Women citing social restrictions dropped from 4.34% (2020-21) to 2.52% (2023-24). The reason is evolving societal norms and progressive attitudes reducing cultural barriers.
• Reduction in Training Gaps: Women citing lack of training dropped from 3.43% (2020-21) to 2.07% (2023-24).
• Improved Job Accessibility: Complaints about job unavailability fell from 0.81% to 0.41% in the same period and the reason is skill development programs & improved job market access.

Government Support for Women Workers

• Workplace Benefits: Extended maternity leave to support working mothers. Mandatory crèche facilities for better work-life balance. 
  • Working women hostels to ensure safe accommodation. Strengthened workplace safety through updated labour laws.
• Skill Development & Self-Employment
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Skill training for better employability.
  • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Financial support for women entrepreneurs.
  • Stand-up India: Promotes women-led startups and businesses.

Conclusion

Challenges remain, but government initiatives, education, and social progress are gradually improving women’s workforce participation. The Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047 focuses on enhancing gender equality in the workforce and fostering inclusive economic growth to drive national development and prosperity.

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