Enhanced Female Participation in India’s Labour Market: A Six-Year Review
New Delhi: There has been a notable increase in the participation of women in India’s labour force over the past six years, as evidenced by recent data released by the Ministry of Statistics. This upward trend is accompanied by a significant decrease in the country’s unemployment rate and a higher proportion of educated women entering the workforce.
According to the latest figures from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics, key labour market indicators have shown considerable improvement. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which measures the percentage of employed persons within the population, rose from 46.8% in 2017-18 to 58.2% in 2023-24. Similarly, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), representing the proportion of the working-age population actively seeking or engaged in employment, surged from 49.8% to 60.1% over the same period. Concurrently, the Unemployment Rate (UR) saw a sharp decline, dropping from 6.0% in 2017-18 to just 2.0% in 2023-24, signaling improved job availability and greater economic stability.
Women’s Increasing Role in the Labour Market
The Ministry’s analysis of the female labour force reveals striking improvements across various employment categories, particularly in rural areas. The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) in rural India has experienced an impressive 23 percentage point increase, rising from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 47.6% in 2023-24. This uptick suggests a rising contribution of women to rural production, highlighting the growing role of women in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
In urban areas, the statistics are equally promising. The WPR for women doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24. Additionally, the LFPR for women saw an increase from 23.3% to 41.7%, while the unemployment rate for women fell from 5.6% to 3.2% over the six-year period. These figures reflect an expanding economic participation by women, underpinned by enhanced job opportunities and greater gender inclusivity in various industries.
Rising Education and Employment Among Women
A key trend identified by the PLFS data is the increasing number of educated women entering the workforce. Among women with postgraduate or higher education, 39.6% were employed in 2023-24, a significant increase from 34.5% in 2017-18. Similarly, the workforce participation of women with a Higher Secondary education level jumped from 11.4% in 2017-18 to 23.9% in 2023-24. This suggests a growing recognition of the value of education in empowering women and enhancing their employability.
Even among women with a primary level education, workforce participation saw a remarkable rise, with 50.2% of women in this category employed in 2023-24, up from 24.9% in 2017-18. This data reflects broader societal changes that are enabling more women, regardless of their educational background, to access employment opportunities and contribute to the economy.
Socio-Economic Impacts and Policy Implications
The data underscores the positive trajectory of female labour force participation in India, which is not only a sign of improved gender equity but also indicative of the country’s evolving economic structure. With an increasing number of women engaging in both formal and informal sectors, there is a clear shift towards more inclusive economic growth.
The rise in female participation, particularly in rural areas, is indicative of successful policy interventions aimed at enhancing women’s access to economic opportunities. This includes initiatives such as skill development programs, microfinance schemes, and entrepreneurial support that empower women, especially in traditionally underserved communities.
However, despite these gains, challenges remain, including the need for further improvements in job quality, wage parity, and access to affordable childcare. To sustain this progress, policymakers will need to continue addressing these barriers and ensure that the workforce becomes increasingly supportive of women’s evolving roles.
