WOMEN IN WORKFORCE Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Union Ministries of Labour & Employment and Women & Child Development have started a joint survey on increasing women participation in the workforce.

Women in Workforce in India

• India's Lagging Female Labour Force Participation: India's FLFP rate is the lowest among BRICS nations and lags behind South Asian neighbors like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
• Crucial Role of Increasing FLFP: Boosting female workforce participation is essential for economic growth, inclusive development, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
• Rural vs. Urban Disparities: More women are part of the labor force in rural areas compared to urban settings.
• Persistent Gender Wage Gaps: It persist across various employment sectors.
• Migration: The migration of women for employment has witnessed an upward trend in recent years.
• Prominent Role of Women in Healthcare: Women constitute a significant portion of healthcare workers, with over 80% employed as nurses and midwives.
• Women in Education Sector: Women play a substantial role in India's education sector, particularly in primary education and early childhood care.
• Labour-Intensive Nature of Care Service Sector: The care service sector, encompassing health and education, relies heavily on labor, unlike sectors affected by technological advancements.

Latest PLFS data

• PLFS data (Oct 2023) reveals growth from 23.3% (2017-18) to 37% (2022-23).
• Government's Inclusive Survey Approach: Union Labour Ministry's survey, via EPFO and others, involves scheme subscribers.
• Survey targets policies: ICC for POSH, creche facilities, equal pay, flexible hours, and late-hour transport.