There are multiple interrelated reasons for the decline in women’s labor force participation in India. These include:

Women’s responsibilities as homemakers and caretakers are frequently given priority over their involvement in the official workforce by society expectations and traditional gender roles. This kind of discrimination may discourage women from working outside the home, especially in conservative and rural areas.

Despite significant progress, there are still differences in India’s female literacy rates, particularly in rural areas. Girls who have fewer educational options may find it more difficult to obtain the skills required for work in modern economic sectors.

Due to discriminatory hiring practices, salary differences, and a lack of representation in positions of decision-making within organizations, women in India face substantial obstacles when trying to access economic possibilities. This may discourage females from joining or remaining in the employment.

Women’s hesitation to enter or stay in the workforce is influenced by incidents of workplace discrimination, harassment, and safety issues. These issues are made worse by a lack of infrastructure and regulations that provide safe transit and sufficient facilities.

In India, women carry a disproportionate share of the load of unpaid care work, which includes childcare duties and household chores. The inability of supportive policies to provide parental leave or reasonably priced childcare facilities might make it more difficult for women to balance work and family obligations.
In India, a large number of women work in the unorganized sector, which frequently lacks legal protections, benefits, and job security. In addition, the informal economy frequently pays less and provides fewer chances for professional growth and skill acquisition.

A multifaceted strategy is needed to address these concerns, including campaigning for gender-sensitive policies, expanding access to education and skill-development opportunities, improving workplace safety and inclusivity, and questioning conventional gender stereotypes. In addition to helping individual women, economic empowerment for women in India promotes the country’s general economic development.