The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released its 26th edition of Women and Men in India 2024 – Selected Indicators and Data. This publication offers a detailed analysis of gender dynamics in India. It provides valuable vital information about population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making. The data is sourced from multiple government ministries, ensuring credibility and relevance. This report aims to highlight both advancements and ongoing disparities in gender equality.
Gender Parity in Education
The publication reveals strong female enrolment at primary and higher secondary levels. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) remains consistently high, indicating effective educational policies. In upper primary and elementary levels, enrolment figures show fluctuations but are nearly equal. This trend suggests that educational access for girls is improving, although challenges persist at other levels.
Labour Force Participation Rate
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 and above has increased from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24. This rise indicates greater engagement of women in the workforce. However, the overall participation still lags behind male counterparts, reflecting ongoing societal barriers.
Banking and Financial Inclusion
Women now own 39.2% of all bank accounts in India, contributing to 39.7% of total deposits. Their participation is particularly strong in rural areas, where they hold 42.2% of accounts. The increase in DEMAT accounts from 33.26 million in 2021 to 143.02 million in 2024 marks a growing trend in financial literacy and investment among women.
Political Participation
The total number of electors in India has surged from 173.2 million in 1952 to 978 million in 2024. Female voter registration has notably increased, with female voter turnout reaching 65.8% in 2024. This marks a narrowing gender gap in voting, as female turnout has surpassed male turnout for the first time.
Entrepreneurship Among Women
The report indicates rise in female entrepreneurship. The number of startups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with at least one woman director has increased from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024. This trend reflects a growing acceptance and support for women in business.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of female education on economic growth in developing countries.
- Examine the role of financial inclusion in empowering women in rural India.
- Analyse the trends in female political participation in India over the last two decades.
- Point out the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India and suggest measures to overcome them.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the impact of female education on economic growth in developing countries.
- Investing in female education leads to higher income levels and economic productivity.
- Educated women contribute to a more skilled workforce, enhancing overall economic competitiveness.
- Education reduces fertility rates, allowing women to participate more in the labor market.
- Improved education for women positively affects health and education outcomes for future generations.
- Access to education encourages gender equality, which is crucial for sustainable development.
2. Examine the role of financial inclusion in empowering women in rural India.
- Financial inclusion provides women access to credit, enabling entrepreneurship and income generation.
- Bank accounts facilitate savings, financial literacy, and improved household economic stability.
- Women’s financial participation contributes to decision-making power within households.
- Access to financial services helps women manage risks and cope with emergencies effectively.
- Financial inclusion programs often include training, enhancing women’s financial management skills.
3. Analyse the trends in female political participation in India over the last two decades.
- Female voter registration has increased , reflecting growing political awareness among women.
- Female voter turnout surpassed male turnout for the first time in 2024, indicating a shift in engagement.
- Women representation in local governance has improved due to reservation policies in panchayati raj institutions.
- Political campaigns increasingly focus on women’s issues, enhancing their visibility in politics.
- Challenges remain, including societal norms and violence against women in politics that hinder participation.
4. Point out the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India and suggest measures to overcome them.
- Challenges include limited access to finance and credit due to lack of collateral and financial literacy.
- Societal norms and gender biases hinder women’s ability to start and grow businesses.
- Women often face difficulties in networking and mentorship opportunities compared to male counterparts.
- Government policies need to be more targeted to support women-led enterprises effectively.
- Measures include enhancing access to microfinance, providing training programs, and creating supportive networks.
