In a landmark move to enhance women’s workforce participation, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an unprecedented ₹3 trillion allocation in the Union Budget 2024, specifically targeted at benefiting women and girls across the country. This budget aims to address the long-standing challenge of women's underrepresentation in the workforce and foster a more inclusive and supportive working environment.

Key Budget Allocations and Initiatives

The Union Budget 2024 focuses on several key initiatives designed to facilitate greater participation of women in the workforce:

Working Women Hostels: The government plans to establish working women hostels in collaboration with industries. These hostels are intended to provide a safe and convenient living arrangement for women who need to relocate for work, making it easier for them to balance professional and personal responsibilities.

Crèches: Alongside hostels, the budget includes provisions for the establishment of crèches. These facilities will offer childcare support to working mothers, addressing one of the significant barriers to women’s workforce participation.

Women-Specific Skilling Programs: To enhance employability and career prospects, the government will support the organization of women-specific skilling programs. These initiatives will focus on equipping women with the skills required for various industries, thus boosting their job readiness.

Market Access for Women SHG Enterprises: The budget also aims to improve market access for enterprises run by women self-help groups (SHGs). This move is expected to empower women entrepreneurs and facilitate their participation in the broader economy.

Recent Efforts and Government Strategies

Earlier in January, the central government launched a series of inter-ministerial efforts to promote women’s participation in the workforce. This included:

Advisory for Employers: An advisory was issued to employers to encourage gender equality and ensure compliance with statutory provisions aimed at increasing women's participation at the workplace.

National Minimum Standards for Crèches: The release of national minimum standards and protocols for crèches aims to improve the quality and accessibility of childcare facilities.

Public Survey: A survey was conducted to assess existing facilities available for women at workplaces and identify areas for improvement.

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During a joint event titled “Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat”, organized by the Labour Ministry and the Women and Child Development Ministry, the former introduced an advisory to further promote gender equality and women’s workforce participation. This advisory aligns with the broader goals outlined in the Union Budget.

Progress and Future Outlook

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), there has been a notable increase in women's workforce participation from 22% in 2017-18 to 35.9% in 2022-23. Despite this progress, there remains substantial room for improvement. The advisory from the labor ministry emphasizes that effective implementation of existing policies by employers is crucial for further enhancing women’s participation in the workforce.

The Union Budget 2024’s focus on women’s workforce initiatives marks a significant step towards achieving gender equality in the professional sphere. By investing in infrastructure such as working women hostels and crèches, and supporting women’s skilling and entrepreneurship, the government is setting a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future.

This substantial allocation of ₹3 trillion is expected to address critical barriers faced by women in the workforce, promoting their participation and contributing to overall economic growth. The initiatives outlined in the budget demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering women and fostering a supportive work environment that facilitates their success and well-being.

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