Font size:
Print
Achieving 70% Female Workforce Participation by 2047: A Key Milestone for Viksit Bharat
Context:
The Government of India has set a target of achieving 70% female labour force participation by 2047. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasised the need for education, venture capital, and mentorship to bridge the gender gap in employment.
Current Status of Women in the Workforce
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has risen significantly from 23% in 2017-18 to 42% in 2023-24.
- Increased participation in agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors.
- The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women has doubled over the past six years.
- Growth in women’s presence in STEM fields, entrepreneurship, and startups.
- Government initiatives and policies have played a crucial role in improving participation rates, but structural barriers persist.
Challenges Hindering Women’s Workforce Participation
- Workforce Entry Barriers
-
- Societal biases and stereotypes restrict women’s employment opportunities.
- Gender-based discrimination in hiring across various sectors.
- Wage Disparities and Leadership Gaps
-
- Persistent gender pay gap across industries, even for similar roles.
- Limited representation of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions.
- Job Security and Informal Sector Vulnerabilities: A significant proportion of women work in the informal sector with low wages and lack of social security.
- Work-Life Balance Constraints
-
- 45% of women cite childcare and domestic responsibilities as a major barrier to workforce participation.
- Lack of flexible work policies and workplace support mechanisms.
- Lack of Skill Development and Mentorship: Insufficient training and mentorship programs to equip women with industry-relevant skills.
Government Initiatives and Policy Interventions
- The Union Budget 2025-26 has set the ambitious goal of 70% female workforce participation by 2047.
- Key policy measures include:
- Strengthening mentorship programs to prepare women for leadership roles.
- Promoting safe and inclusive workplaces through stringent policies.
- Enhancing skill development initiatives in manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- Providing financial support for women-led businesses.
Potential Sectors for Increased Women’s Participation
- STEM Fields
-
- Increased participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can drive economic growth.
- Investment in STEM education and research opportunities for women.
- Entrepreneurship and Startups
Role of the Private Sector in Enhancing Women’s Workforce Participation
- Industry leaders stress the need for public-private partnerships to create sustainable employment opportunities.
- Corporates can contribute by:
- Implementing gender-inclusive policies.
- Providing training and mentorship programs.
- Ensuring fair wages and career progression opportunities.
- Women-led enterprises need financial incentives, mentorship, and market access.
- Strengthening venture capital support for women entrepreneurs.
- Cultural and Creative Industries
-
- Women have historically contributed to India’s art, fashion, and design sectors.
- Expanding opportunities in media, entertainment, and creative entrepreneurship.
- Manufacturing and Services
-
- Industry and government collaboration to enhance job opportunities in textiles, retail, and hospitality.
Policy Recommendations for Achieving 70% Female Workforce Participation
- Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enforcing equal pay laws and anti-discrimination measures in workplaces.
- Expanding Social Security Benefits
-
- Ensuring maternity benefits, childcare support, and flexible work arrangements.
- Extending social security to informal sector workers.
- Enhancing Education and Skill Development
-
- Expanding STEM education and vocational training for women.
- Implementing National Education Policy (NEP)-aligned initiatives to boost employability.
- Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion: Providing subsidised loans, grants, and financial incentives for women-led businesses.
- Community Awareness and Societal Shifts
- Encouraging gender equality in households and redistributing domestic responsibilities.
- Promoting awareness campaigns for women’s economic empowerment.
Way Forward
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to foster a supportive work environment.
- Ensuring effective implementation of policies promoting gender equality in employment.
- Encouraging legal and institutional reforms to eliminate workplace discrimination.
