ByDhuwarakhaSriram
Over the last decade, India has made significant strides in enhancing Women’s Labor Force Participation Rate (WLFPR). The transformative potential of increasing women’s, and especially young women’s participation in the workforceisimmense,promisingnotonlytobolstereconomicgrowthbutalso to catalyze societal change. Interestingly, the increase in WLFP over the last decade might be more significant than the increase observed over the last century, reflecting broader socio-economic changes, policy interventions, and shifts in societal norms regarding women’s work.
The Defining Decade for Women’s Labor Force Participation
India has implemented numerous initiatives and policies to bolster women’s employment,reflectingsignificantprogressinpromotinggenderbalanceinthe workforce.KeyinitiativesincludePradhanMantriMudraYojana,aimedat prioritizingwomenentrepreneursbyprovidingunsecuredloanstostartsmall businesses.Additionally,theBetiBachao,BetiPadhaocampaignhasbeen instrumentalinimprovingtheeducationalstatusofgirls,directlyimpacting theirfutureemploymentprospects.Theseefforts,combinedwithcorporate policies to ensure workplace safety and diversity, illustrate a comprehensive approach to dismantling barriers for women in the labor market.
The Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) indicates an increase in women’s workforce participation by 13.9 percent with 22 percent in 2017-18 to 35.9 percentin2022-23.Thispromisingtrendisatestamentofheightenedpolitical andbureaucratic(public),corporate(private),andyoungwomen’swill.Asthe largest youth population in the world, here in India, gears up for economic opportunities, it is important to further strengthen this Public-Private-Youth ecosystemandincludeyoungwomenasequalpartnerstoinformpolicymaking at the highest level.
TheCatalyticRoleofMinistryofLabourandEmployment’sAdvisory
In light of improving the WLFPR, Ministry of Labour&Emplyment (MoLE|)’s efforts towards bringing together a task force with representation from government, civil society, industry associations, and multilateral agencies is commendable. What emerged as a criticaloutcomefromthesetaskforcediscussionswascompiledasanadvisoryfor employers titled ‘Ensuring Equality, Empowerment for Women’, which reinforces the power of a collaborative approach among stakeholders. It underscores the importance of creating conducive work environments, equitablewagepractices,andensuringhealthandsafetystandardsspecifically tailored to the needs of women in the workforce.
BreakingBarriers
Byrecommendingmeasuressuch asflexibleworkhoursandchildcarefacilities, the advisory aims to address some primary constraints that limit women’s participation in the labor market.
TheimportanceofprovisionsforgenderneutralcrechesandWomen’sworking hubs has been emphasized equally for construction workers, migrant workers and women working in micro, mediumand small enterprises. Social barriers towards mobility and childbearing are the two most important factors that deter young women from entering and re-entering the workforce. To fulfil the vision of women working hubs/hostels with attached creche and senior care facilities, as outlined in the advisory, collaborative efforts between the Governmentandprivatesectorwillbecrucial.Thiswillinvolvebuildingquality infrastructure with world-class facilities with provisions of safety, security, healthcare, nurturing young women as agents of change and choices, and strengthening abilities to take their own decisions. Support from civil society and multilateral agencieswillbolsterthebehavioral shiftforcommunitiesand families to consider these centers as a place for young women to pursue their aspirations towards economic empowerment.
With COVID-19 changing the way we perceive workplaces, and more jobs transitioning to hybrid and remote, technology can be a game changer in eliminating the nuances of a traditional workplace.Provision for flexible opportunities for all genders including teleworking facilities, has been highlighted in the advisory to reinforce the fact that caregiving should be a collective responsibility and women do not drop off from employment due to the disproportionate burden of caregiving falling on them.
These developments suggest a progressive, though challenging, path towards greatereconomicempowermentofwomen,highlightingtheneedforcontinued policy focus and social change to sustain and enhance these gains.
WomenWillScoretheCentury
As India stands at the cusp of ademographic dividend, unlockingthepotential ofitsfemaleworkforceisamatterofsocialjusticeandastrategiceconomic imperative. The advisory from MoLE, along with concerted efforts from all sectors of society, offers a blueprint for action.
The journey ahead is challenging, but the rewards—economic resilience, societal well-being, and the fulfillment of human potential—are within reach, making the endeavor not just necessary but essential for India’s ascent on the global stage.
By embracing these recommendations and committing to sustained efforts to enhance WLFPR, India can chart a course towards inclusive social and economicequality,andabrighterfutureforallitscitizens.The‘heroes’leading economic development for India@100 are indeed the Saksham Naaris.
Tne author is ChiefofYuWaahatUNICEF India
