India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has increased from 23 per cent in 2017-18 to around 42 per cent in 2023-24, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
In a statement, the Ministry attributed the rise to a series of policy interventions aimed at improving women’s access to skills, formal employment and financial inclusion. It also cited World Bank data, which indicates that India has recorded the largest increase in women’s labour force participation among BRICS nations over the past decade.
The Ministry said the growth reflects progress in expanding women’s economic participation through initiatives focused on skill development, credit access and employment opportunities.
To improve workplace inclusion and support women employees in government service, the Centre has introduced several measures, including exemption from examination fees for competitive recruitment, 730 days of Child Care Leave, provisions for posting spouses at the same station and 180 days of maternity leave.
In addition, various ministries have launched employment generation and skill-development programmes aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce while equipping them with industry-relevant capabilities.
The government also highlighted the establishment of One Stop Centres across the country to support women facing violence. These centres provide integrated services such as medical assistance, legal aid, psychological counselling and temporary shelter.
According to the Ministry, strengthening women’s participation in the workforce remains a key priority as India works towards its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. It said continued investments in employment opportunities, workplace inclusion and social-support systems are expected to play a crucial role in sustaining the upward trend in women’s workforce participation.
