Over the past six years, the labour force participation rate for women has risen from 23 per cent in 2017-18 to approximately 42 per cent in 2023-24. The uptick is evident across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and services, with a notable increase in educated women joining the workforce.
We acknowledge ongoing challenges such as workplace biases, wage disparities, limited leadership opportunities, job security concerns and the balancing act between professional and domestic responsibilities. There is a need for mentorship programs to prepare women for leadership roles and the to create safe, inclusive workplaces.
The potential of sectors like STEM, entrepreneurship and startups for women’s further involvement cannot be emphasized enough. The government is committed to achieving the goal set in the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming for 70 per cent of women to be engaged in economic activities by 2047, aligning with the vision of a developed India.