Participation of Women for Sustainable Economic Growth

• Increased labor force participation among women, especially in rural areas.
• Economic necessity drives participation, highlighting structural barriers to true empowerment.

Key Data

• Women’s labor force participation in rural India nearly doubled from 18.2% to 35.5% over six years.
• Significant rise in participation among teenage girls (15-19) and elderly women (60+).

Factors Driving Improved Participation

1. Reduced Household Drudgery
   • Government schemes (e.g., Ujjwala Yojana, Har Ghar Jal) have lessened domestic burdens, allowing more women to engage in economic activities.
   • Increased LPG refills from 159.9 million in 2018-19 to 344.8 million in 2022-23.
2. Employment Under Government Schemes
   • Programs like MGNREGA provide local wage employment, with women constituting 54.54% of the workforce.
3. Declining Fertility Rates
   • Fertility rate at 2.0 (NFHS-5, 2021) allows women more time for paid work.
4. Improved Literacy and Education
   • Female literacy at 77% due to initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
5. Shift Toward Self-Employment
   • Increased self-employment through schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana and Stand-Up India.
6. Technology and Digitization
   • Expansion of internet access facilitates participation in gig and remote work.
7. Supportive Legal Frameworks
   • Laws like the Maternity Benefit Act and POSH Act aim to create a supportive work environment.
8. Role of Self-Help Groups
   • SHGs mobilized over ₹1.7 lakh crore in loans for women-led enterprises.

Structural Challenges

1. Gendered Social Norms
   • Traditional norms restrict women’s participation in the workforce.
2. Inadequate Access to Education
   • Low female enrollment in STEM fields limits employability.
3. Unpaid Care Work
   • 85% of women aged 15-59 engage in unpaid domestic work.
4. Informal Sector Employment
   • Over 90% of women workers are in informal jobs, perpetuating income disparities.
5. Weak Implementation of Policies
   • Poor enforcement of maternity benefits and workplace policies.
6. Security Concerns
   • Increased crime rates discourage women from seeking employment outside the home.
7. Economic Necessity
   • Rising participation often driven by economic vulnerability rather than empowerment.
8. Limited Leadership Representation
   • Only 14.7% of lawmakers are women; leadership roles remain scarce.

Suggested Strategies for Empowerment

• Skill Development: Tailored programs in high-growth sectors.
• Affordable Childcare: Nationwide Childcare Support Mission for better access.
• Access to Credit: Expand initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana for women-led businesses.
• Gender-Responsive Infrastructure: Invest in safe transport and facilities.
• Strengthen Workplace Policies: Mandate flexible hours and anti-harassment measures.
• Leadership Representation: Capacity-building programs for women in governance.
• Digital Inclusion: Bridge the digital divide to promote e-commerce opportunities.
• Social Protection Frameworks: Design programs prioritizing working women’s needs.
• Targeted Interventions: Address region-specific barriers to participation.

Way Forward

While women’s labor force participation in rural India has increased, significant structural barriers remain. Comprehensive reforms in education, skills, and work conditions are essential to achieve genuine gender equality and unlock economic potential.

Mains Answer Writing Practice Question

Discuss the factors contributing to the increase in women’s labor force participation in India, especially in rural areas. What structural challenges persist, and what strategies can be implemented to ensure sustainable economic empowerment for women? (200 words)