Synopsis
The female unemployment rate in India has dropped to 3.2% in six years, highlighting progress in workforce participation and economic empowerment, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.Key Takeaways
- Female unemployment decreased to 3.2%.
- Worker Population Ratio for women rose to 40.3%.
- Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 41.7%.
- Viksit Bharat aims for 70% female workforce participation.
- Focus on systemic barriers and digital literacy.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) The rate of female unemployment in India has remarkably decreased to just 3.2 percent over the past six years, as reported by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Wednesday.
This change signifies a transition towards enhanced inclusion and economic empowerment, noted Sumita Dawra, Secretary at the Ministry, during a two-day conference aimed at boosting female workforce participation in Mussoorie.
Dawra emphasized the positive shift in female workforce participation over the last six years, characterized by increased economic involvement, reduced unemployment rates, and more educated women joining the workforce.
“The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women aged 15 years and older has climbed from 22.0 percent in 2017-18 to 40.3 percent in 2023-24, while the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women has surged from 23.3 percent to 41.7 percent during the same timeframe,” Dawra stated.
“Significantly, female unemployment has fallen sharply from 5.6 percent to merely 3.2 percent,” she added.
The Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative aspires to achieve 70 percent female workforce participation.
“Targeted discussions on recognizing systemic obstacles and policy deficiencies are vital for devising innovative solutions that align with India’s comprehensive economic and social development objectives, ensuring sustainable and equitable workforce participation for women,” Dawra commented at a roundtable discussion during the event.
With the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India currently at 41.7 percent (PLFS 2023-24), the gathering convened government officials, industry leaders, global organizations, and skill development institutions to tackle critical issues and challenges, such as employment restrictions, workplace safety, wage equity, and digital job prospects.
During the two-day discussions, the Ministry outlined essential action areas crucial for enhancing women's workforce participation within its mandate. Expanding affordable and high-quality care services was identified as a key labor market facilitator, highlighting the need to incorporate care policies into employment frameworks to assist working women.
Furthermore, it underscored the necessity of aligning skill development initiatives with industry needs to guarantee women's access to high-growth sectors. Strengthening workplace safety, fair policies, and gender-sensitive labor laws were also prioritized, emphasizing the requirement for compliance mechanisms, gender audits, and enforcement of PoSH regulations.
Amid advancements in AI and digital transformation within the country, the Government also concentrated on exploiting digital employment platforms to enhance women’s digital literacy. Additionally, the integration of AI-driven skill programs will ensure women’s equitable involvement in the future workforce.
