New Delhi: With more women than ever entering the official economy and their percentage of the organised labour increasing to 41.7 per cent in 2023–2024, a jump of more than 18 percentage points from 2019–20, India is experiencing a silent workforce revolution.
Minister of Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje presented the statistics to Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session, highlighting the results of a multi-year effort to create more sustainable and inclusive work settings for women. From extending maternity leave to introducing funding and skill-building programs targeted at women, the government’s multifaceted approach is showing tangible effects.
One such indicator is the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The addition of 26.9 lakh new female subscribers to its rolls in the most recent fiscal year alone is a glaring indication of the formal growth of employment opportunities for women.
Flagship initiatives, including PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Namo Drone Didi, Mission Shakti and Mudra Loans, have facilitated the acquisition of skills, credit and employment for thousands of women in industries like digital services, logistics and agri-tech.
But problems still exist. Even if involvement has increased, analysts point out that a significant portion of people are still working for themselves or part-time, and only a small percentage are salaried professionals. Many women are still hampered by safety concerns, unpaid caregiving duties and restricted access to leadership roles.
Nevertheless, the increase in formal enrollment is a positive sign of shifting trends, suggesting that India’s economic future may be more gender-balanced than it has been in the past.
