Model Answer

Introduction

Women play a crucial role in driving economic growth, contributing significantly to productivity and innovation. As of 2023, India’s female labor force participation stands at 41.7%, a considerable rise from 23.2% six years ago, yet still below the global average of 50%. This underscores the need for enhanced efforts to fully integrate women into the workforce.

Role of Women in Economic Growth

Several factors are contributing to the increasing participation of women in India’s economy:

1. Educational Advancements and STEM Inclusion:
   The rising educational attainment among women has led to their increasing presence in skilled sectors, particularly in STEM fields where women now represent 42.57% of students. This shift not only empowers women but also drives innovation in the economy.
2. Policy Initiatives for Women-Led Development:
   Government policies have shifted from welfare to women-led development, focusing on enabling women as leaders and entrepreneurs. For instance, 10 crore women are connected to 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitating economic participation.
3. Rise of Women Entrepreneurship:
   Women are increasingly becoming job creators, with over 10% of SIDBI funds earmarked for women-led start-ups. Successful entrepreneurs like Falguni Nayar of Nykaa exemplify this trend.
4. Financial and Digital Inclusion:
   Access to banking and digital financial tools has empowered women economically, with 39.2% of bank accounts held by women. Digital platforms are enabling broader participation in the economy.

Challenges Faced by Women

Despite these advancements, women face significant challenges:

1. Persistent Low Labor Force Participation:
   Many women drop out of the workforce post-marriage or childbirth due to societal norms and lack of flexible jobs.
2. Unpaid Domestic Work:
   Women disproportionately shoulder unpaid domestic responsibilities, spending 236 minutes per day compared to 24 minutes by men, limiting their ability to engage in paid work.
3. Gender Pay Gap:
   Women earn significantly less than men, facing a 29.4% pay disparity in urban areas. The majority of women work in informal sectors without job security.
4. Gender-Based Violence:
   Safety concerns restrict women’s mobility and employment opportunities, with India recording 51 cases of crime against women every hour.
5. Underrepresentation in Leadership:
   Women hold only 13.6% of seats in the Lok Sabha, limiting gender-responsive policymaking.

Measures for Enhancement of Women’s Empowerment

To address these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

1. Integrating Skilling with Local Economic Ecosystems:
   Align skilling initiatives with local job markets to ensure women gain relevant skills.
2. Scaling Women’s Enterprises:
   Provide financial support through schemes like MUDRA loans and create mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs.
3. Institutionalizing Childcare Support:
   Develop childcare facilities to support working mothers, reducing the dual burden of work and domestic responsibilities.
4. Promoting Gender-Responsive Policies:
   Implement gender quotas in government and decision-making bodies to enhance women’s representation.
5. Developing a Unified Digital Identity:
   Create an Aadhaar-linked platform to streamline access to welfare, credit, and educational resources for women.

Way Forward

Empowering women is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for India’s economic growth. By addressing the challenges women face and implementing targeted measures, India can harness its demographic dividend, potentially adding $770 billion to its GDP by 2025. A gender-equal economy will foster inclusive growth and national development, aligning with global goals for gender equality.