Article:
India recently implemented the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam, a fundamental income scheme for women. The Tamil Nadu government launched this initiative recognizing women’s unpaid labor and will provide Rs 1,000 per month to eligible women. Although this is a step forward, barriers preventing women’s participation in the workforce persist, revealing gender disparity.
Causes of Lower Women’s Participation in the Labour Force
Several factors contribute to women’s limited presence in the workforce. Deep-seated patriarchal norms and traditional gender roles often restrict women’s access to education and employment. Being expected to fulfil household duties and care for the family can discourage women from actively participating in the labor force.
A significant Gender Wage Gap also exists in India. Men earn 82% of labor income in India, women take home only 18%, as reported by the World Inequality Report 2022. This wage gap disincentivizes women from seeking formal employment opportunities.
Additionally, women bear the burden of Unpaid Care Work more than men do. They dedicate over seven hours daily to domestic work, while men commit less than three. This imbalance limits their available time for paid work and poses a barrier to workforce participation.
Unpaid Care of Women and its Statistics
India’s Female Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has dropped from 30% to 24% in the last two decades due to reasons including the burden of domestic work. Even educated women tend to have lower LFPRs.
Women not engaged in the labor force invest the most time in unpaid domestic work, about 7.5 hours daily. Employed women spend nearly 5.8 hours per day on these chores, impacting their ability to work for pay.
The Impact of Higher Women Labor Participation
When women are essential participants in the labor force, it catalyzes economic growth. If a significant part of the female population remains under-utilized, it results in a loss of potential productivity and economic output.
Income-generating opportunities for women can elevate households from poverty, leading to better living standards. Also, financially independent women positively influence the education and health outcomes of their children, creating intergenerational benefits.
Increased labor force participation can challenge traditional gender norms, fostering gender equality and empowerment. Economically empowered women have more agency over their lives, decision-making abilities, and autonomy.
Women Labor Force Participation and its Link with Fertility and Population Growth
Studies suggest that as women’s labor force participation rises, fertility rates decrease. This “fertility transition” is associated with better access to education, healthcare, and family planning, leading to sustainable population growth.
Establishing Gender Equality and Reducing Gender-Based Violence
Women’s economic empowerment can enhance their bargaining power, reducing their vulnerability to gender-based violence and abusive relationships. Their increased participation in the workforce can also address skill shortages and labor market imbalances.
Government Schemes for Women Empowerment
Several government initiatives aim at empowering Women in India. These include the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, One Stop Centre Scheme, SWADHAR Greh, NARI SHAKTI PURASKAR, Mahila police Volunteers, Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK), and NIRBHAYA Fund.
The path forward involves understanding the comprehensive value of all work in both formal and informal sectors that women do. Gender equality discussions need to acknowledge this and create policy solutions that suit women’s cultural contexts, focusing on increasing autonomy and flexible work options. By promoting higher women’s labor force participation, we can drive societal progress and development, leading to economic growth, poverty reduction, improved human capital, and a more inclusive and equitable society.
