Answer

The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) in India has witnessed a concerning decline, dropping from 50% in 2004-05 to 45% in 2022-23. This decline is particularly pronounced among women aged 25 to 29 years, a demographic that typically includes many married women. This trend highlights the significant social and cultural factors contributing to the exclusion of married women from the workforce. 

Social and Cultural Factors Leading to Exclusion of Married Women from Jobs in India:

• Patriarchal Norms and Gender Roles: Traditional patriarchal norms dictate that women’s primary role is as caregivers and homemakers, not as earners. This belief discourages married women from pursuing careers, as their work is often undervalued compared to domestic duties.
  For instance: In many Indian families, women are expected to prioritise household responsibilities over career aspirations, leading to decreased participation in the workforce.
• Family Responsibilities and Childcare: Married women often bear the brunt of family responsibilities, including childcare and eldercare, which can limit their availability and flexibility for job opportunities.
  For instance: Many Indian women leave their jobs or opt for part-time work after childbirth due to the lack of affordable childcare facilities and societal expectations to prioritise family over career.
• Lack of Supportive Workplace Policies: The absence of supportive workplace policies, such as maternity leave, flexible working hours, and childcare facilities, makes it challenging for married women to balance work and family life.
  For example: In India, many workplaces do not offer adequate maternity leave or flexible working arrangements, leading women to drop out of the workforce after marriage or childbirth.
• Social Stigma and Perceptions: Social stigma and negative perceptions about working married women, including doubts about their commitment and efficiency, contribute to their exclusion from job opportunities.
  For example: In some conservative regions, working married women may face societal disapproval and be perceived as neglecting their familial duties, leading to reluctance from employers to hire them.
• Economic Dependence and Financial Barriers:
  Economic dependence on male family members and financial barriers, such as lack of access to education and professional training, restrict married women’s employment opportunities.
  For instance: In rural areas, many married women lack access to higher education and vocational training, making it difficult for them to secure well-paying jobs and remain financially independent.
• Safety Concerns and Mobility Restrictions: Safety concerns and restrictions on mobility due to societal norms limit the job opportunities available to married women, especially in sectors requiring travel or late working hours.
  For example: In India, concerns about safety and societal norms often restrict married women’s ability to work in certain jobs or industries that require commuting during odd hours, leading to their exclusion from such opportunities.

Measures to Address the Exclusion of Married Women from Jobs in India:

• Implement Supportive Workplace Policies: Introduce and enforce policies such as extended maternity leave, paternity leave, flexible working hours, and remote work options to help married women balance work and family responsibilities.
  For example: The introduction of the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which increased maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, has been a positive step.
• Establish Affordable Childcare Facilities: Develop and subsidise quality childcare services to support working mothers, enabling them to return to work without compromising on family responsibilities.
  For example: The Government of India’s initiative to set up crèches at workplaces and in residential areas can help working mothers manage their childcare responsibilities more effectively.
• Promote Gender Sensitization and Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns and gender sensitization programs to challenge and change societal norms and perceptions about married women working outside the home.
  For example: NGOs and government bodies can collaborate to run campaigns that highlight successful working women and promote the idea that women can effectively manage both career and family roles.
• Enhance Education and Skill Development: Provide access to higher education and vocational training tailored to the needs of women, particularly in rural areas.
  For example: Initiatives like the National Skill Development Mission can be expanded to focus more on women, offering specialised training programs and scholarships.
• Strengthen Legal Protections and Enforcement: Ensure strict enforcement of laws against workplace discrimination and harassment, creating a safer and more inclusive environment for married women.
  For example: Strengthening the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, can help create safer workplaces and encourage more women to pursue careers.
• Encourage Female Entrepreneurship: Provide financial support, mentorship programs, and business development services to encourage married women to start their own businesses and become economically independent.
  For example: Programs like the Stand-Up India scheme, which provides loans to women entrepreneurs, should be expanded and promoted to facilitate greater female entrepreneurship.

As we look to the future, it’s crucial to remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” By addressing the social and cultural factors that exclude married women from the workforce, we can create an environment where their dreams are not hindered by societal norms.