Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) measures the percentage of women in the working-age population who are employed or seeking work. It is a vital indicator of gender inclusivity in economic activities. In India, FLFPR has been a topic of concern due to its decline, particularly after marriage.
Current Status of FLFPR
As of 2022-2023, India’s FLFPR stands at approximately 37%, a rise from 24.5% in 2018-2019. Despite this increase, India’s FLFPR remains among the lowest globally, trailing behind the global average of around 50%.
Regional Disparities
FLFPR varies across regions. Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have lower participation rates compared to northern states such as Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. This challenges assumptions about literacy and women empowerment being directly linked to higher FLFPR.
States with Low FLFPR
Certain states like Assam, Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi exhibit particularly low FLFPR, with Delhi having the lowest at 14.8%. These figures indicate substantial gender disparities in workforce participation.
Factors Contributing to Low FLFPR
- Cultural Constraints: Societal norms and expectations often restrict women’s participation in the workforce, especially after marriage.
- High Informal Sector Employment: Over 95% of working women are in the informal sector, lacking job security and benefits.
- Limited Job Opportunities: A shortage of suitable jobs in sectors like manufacturing and services hampers women’s employment.
- Gender Pay Gap: Women earn less than men, affecting job retention and motivation.
- Safety Concerns: High levels of violence and workplace harassment deter women from certain jobs.
- Educated Unemployment: Many women face mismatches between their qualifications and available job opportunities.
Significance of Enhancing FLFPR
Increasing FLFPR can have far-reaching benefits for India.
- Economic Growth: An increase in female workforce participation could potentially boost India’s GDP by 27%.
- Poverty Alleviation: Higher FLFPR can help combat the feminisation of poverty, improving women’s economic conditions.
- Global Sustainability Goals: Enhanced FLFPR supports various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality and decent work.
- Improved Social Indicators: More women in the workforce can lead to better health outcomes, such as lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Empowerment: Financial independence through employment enhances women’s decision-making power in families.
Government Initiatives
The Government of India has implemented various policies to improve FLFPR.
- Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Increased paid maternity leave to 26 weeks and mandated crèches in large establishments.
- Anganwadi Centres: These centres provide nutritional support and early childhood education, aiding women’s return to work.
- National Food Security Act, 2013: Offers cash transfers to pregnant and lactating women, easing their financial burden.
- Stand Up India Scheme: Facilitates bank loans for women entrepreneurs in various sectors.
- Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013: Provides legal protection against workplace harassment.
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Ensures livelihood security with 55% female participation.
- Factories Act, 1948: Recent amendments allow women to work night shifts with safety provisions.
- Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Empowers rural women through skills training and employment opportunities.
- Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK): Provides micro-credit to promote women’s economic independence.
- SHe-Box: An online platform for reporting workplace harassment, enhancing accountability.
Future Strategies
To further enhance FLFPR, several strategies can be implemented:
- Child Care Support: Establish subsidised childcare and crèches near workplaces to alleviate care burdens.
- Comprehensive Policy: Create a unified approach addressing skill development, transport safety, and maternity protection.
- Liberalising Labour Laws: Amend restrictive laws to facilitate women’s employment, inspired by successful state models.
- Strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Expand SHGs to empower women economically in both formal and informal sectors.
- Innovative Retention Solutions: Implement worksite crèches and flexible maternity leave policies.
- Care Economy Recognition: Acknowledge care work in GDP calculations to highlight its economic value.
- Education & Training Investments: Invest in vocational and higher education to align women’s skills with job market needs.
