“Indian women are making strides in the workforce with rising participation, better pay, and declining unemployment. Discover the six-year transformation backed by the latest PLFS data.”
Women in India Achieving Workforce Milestones: More Jobs, Better Pay Over Six Years
New Delhi: The Indian labour market has witnessed a significant transformation over the past six years, with women playing a crucial role in driving economic activity. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics, key indicators such as employment rates, workforce participation, and wages for women have shown remarkable improvement, especially in rural areas.
This progress underscores India’s commitment to empowering women economically and bridging the gender gap in employment.
Rising Female Labour Force Participation
The data reveals a steady rise in female labour force participation rates (FLFPR), particularly in rural India:
- Rural FLFPR: Increased from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 47.6% in 2023-24, reflecting a surge in women’s contribution to rural production.
- Urban Engagement: Urban areas also saw increased participation, albeit at a slower pace.
Key Workforce Metrics for Women (2017-18 vs. 2023-24)
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
- Increased from 22% to 40.3%, indicating more women are securing employment opportunities.
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
- Rose from 23.3% to 41.7%, showcasing a significant rise in women actively seeking jobs.
- Unemployment Rate:
- Declined from 5.6% to 3.2%, pointing to improved job availability for women.
Educated Women Driving Workforce Growth
The upward trend of educated women entering the workforce is a key highlight of the survey.
- Post-Graduate and Above:
- Women with advanced education levels participating in the workforce grew from 34.5% in 2017-18 to 39.6% in 2023-24.
- Higher Secondary Education:
- Workforce participation surged from 11.4% to 23.9% in six years.
- Primary Education:
- Women educated up to the primary level in the workforce rose from 24.9% to 50.2%, demonstrating enhanced opportunities across educational strata.
Economic Empowerment in Rural India
Rural areas saw the most dramatic changes, with women increasingly involved in economic activities like agriculture, cottage industries, and self-employment initiatives. These efforts have not only boosted household incomes but also contributed to rural economic growth
Improved Wages Across Employment Categories
The Ministry of Statistics reported a steady increase in women’s earnings across various employment categories. This wage growth is a testament to the growing recognition of women’s contributions across sectors.
Why This Matters
- Economic Stability:
The decline in unemployment and the rise in workforce participation signal stronger economic stability and better job availability. - Gender Equality:
These trends reflect India’s progress toward achieving gender parity in economic participation. - Impact on GDP:
Increased female workforce participation is likely to have a positive impact on India’s GDP, as studies show that empowering women economically drives national growth.
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Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite this progress, challenges such as workplace inclusivity, equal pay, and access to quality jobs remain. Policies promoting skill development, childcare facilities, and flexible work environments are crucial to sustaining and accelerating this momentum.