Synopsis
The recent report highlights a 10% rise in women's employment in urban India over six years, with significant challenges persisting. While urban women in their forties lead in employment rates, barriers remain, including caregiving roles and societal norms, indicating a need for reforms in workplace policies.Key Takeaways
- 10% increase in women's employment in urban India since 2017-18.
- 40s age group has the highest employment rate at 38.3%.
- Over 89 million urban women are still outside the labor market.
- Young male unemployment exceeds female figures.
- Need for structural reforms in workplace policies.
Chennai, March 7 (NationPress) The employment rate of women in urban India has surged by 10 percent over the past six years (2017-18 to 2023-24), as stated in a report released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 on Friday.
The white paper, introduced by Great Lakes Institute of Management in Chennai, revealed that women in their forties have the highest employment rate among urban women, standing at 38.3 percent in 2023-24.
However, it also cautioned about significant challenges, including the underutilization of educated women's skills and the potential for a diversity backlash.
According to the report, over 89 million urban Indian women remained outside the labor force in 2023-24. Barriers such as caregiving roles, insufficient flexible work options, and commuting difficulties continue to hinder many qualified women from engaging fully in the workforce.
Additionally, a troubling trend emerged where young male unemployment in urban India exceeded that of women (10 percent compared to 7.5 percent for ages 20-24).
The findings also underscored gender disparities within highly educated households. Even among couples with dual incomes and equal education, gender imbalances persist.
In 62 percent of these households, husbands earn more, despite having the same educational background. Furthermore, wives bear the primary responsibility for household duties in 41 percent of homes, in contrast to only 2 percent of husbands.
Meanwhile, urban mothers working remotely face challenges as 86 percent report dedicating up to three hours each workday to childcare. Yet, only 44 percent believe they have sufficient support.
This emphasizes the necessity for stronger workplace policies that recognize and address the realities faced by working mothers.
“Although women's participation in the workforce in urban India is on the rise, it has yet to result in true gender equality in earnings, career advancement, and domestic responsibilities. To enact genuine change, we must first create more job opportunities for all,” stated Dr. Vidya Mahambare, Professor of Economics and Director at the Great Lakes Institute of Management.
She further advocated for structural reforms in childcare policies, flexible work arrangements, and a transformation in societal norms that disproportionately burden women.
