Female Unemployment Drops to 3.2% in India

In a major step towards gender inclusion and economic empowerment, unemployment among Indian women has reduced to a mere 3.2% over the last six years, revealed the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The information was shared in a two-day conclave held in Mussoorie, with policymakers and industry leaders coming together to deliberate upon the ways and means of increasing female workforce participation.

Sumita Dawra, Ministry Secretary, pointed to the encouraging trends in women’s employment, underscoring the increase in economic participation and educational levels among women. “The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) of women aged 15 years and more improved from 22.0% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, whereas the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) improved from 23.3% to 41.7% over the same period”, Dawra said. She further added, “Female unemployment declined sharply from 5.6% to as low as 3.2%”.

The discussions highlighted India’s ambitious vision of 70% female workforce participation under the Viksit Bharat 2047 program. The participants analyzed systemic barriers and policy gaps, with a focus on developing sustainable and equitable workforce opportunities for women.

The key areas of action that were identified at the event were increasing affordable and quality care services, which were identified as critical to enabling working women. The Ministry emphasized the importance of mainstreaming care policies into employment systems to promote work-life balance.

Aligning skilling efforts with industry needs also became a priority to facilitate women’s entry into high-growth sectors. Workplace safety and enforcing gender-sensitive labour legislation, including provisions for compliance, gender audits, and implementation of PoSH regulations, were underscored as being essential in promoting inclusive workplaces.

With the fast pace of AI and digitalization, the Government highlighted the use of digital employment platforms to enhance women’s digital literacy. Dawra added that incorporating AI-based skilling programs would ensure women’s equal participation in the future workforce.

The event convened government representatives, industry captains, global organizations, and skilling institutions to work together on job barrier solutions, workplace safety, remuneration parity, and digital employment opportunities. The combined initiative seeks to shape an integrated, inclusive, and vibrant labour market that will drive India towards its vision of broad female workforce involvement.

“Intensive debate and creative policy responses are key to aligning with India’s overall economic and social development objectives”, Dawra concluded, affirming the nation’s commitment to empowering women and pushing forward labour market progress.

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