India is witnessing a silent revolution as women's participation in the workforce has more than doubled over the past seven years, thanks to inclusive policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently highlighted this remarkable transformation, emphasizing the changing perceptions of women’s roles in the workforce. This shift is being driven by a combination of economic empowerment programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and Skill India, which have been pivotal in enabling women to take on more significant roles in various sectors.

Government Initiatives Driving Growth

The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, launched in 2015, has been instrumental in providing easy access to credit for women entrepreneurs, especially in the unorganized sector. This initiative encourages small business setups, fostering independence among women, particularly in rural areas. Over the years, millions of women have benefited from this scheme, contributing to the substantial rise in self-employment. Similarly, the Stand-Up India scheme has provided funding and mentorship to women, especially from marginalized communities, allowing them to participate in entrepreneurial activities at an unprecedented scale.

Another essential initiative, Skill India, has focused on upskilling women in various technical and professional fields, enabling them to participate more actively in the job market. Women are now more involved in sectors such as professional, scientific, and technical services, with many logging more work hours than their male counterparts.

Rising Self-Employment Among Women

A Business Standard analysis of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data revealed a dramatic rise in self-employment among women, surging to 67.4% in 2023-24, up from 51.9% in 2017-18. In rural areas, this figure has risen even more significantly, jumping from 57.7% to 73.5%. This growth can be attributed to the increased accessibility of financial resources and government support aimed at women, especially in rural and semi-urban settings.

The urban story is equally impressive, with the self-employment rate climbing from 34.7% to 42.3% during the same period. These statistics underscore the success of policies that empower women to participate in economic activities, breaking the traditional barriers that have limited their roles in the past.

Women's Labour Force Participation

The labour force participation rate of women has also seen a marked improvement. In 2023-24, this rate stood at 41.7%, compared to 23.3% in 2017-18. This significant increase reflects the government’s sustained efforts to bring women into the workforce through a mix of financial inclusion programs, upskilling initiatives, and labor-friendly policies. Women are now not only entering the workforce in greater numbers but also working longer hours, especially in professional, scientific, and technical sectors, where some are logging over 55 hours per week.

Addressing Key Challenges

Despite these gains, challenges remain, particularly for women in the unorganized sector. The government is aware of these issues and is currently working on a new framework aimed at extending social security benefits to women working in informal sectors. This will be crucial in ensuring that women in sectors such as agriculture, domestic work, and small-scale industries have access to healthcare, insurance, and retirement benefits. These efforts are expected to enhance the economic security of women and provide a more stable foundation for their future participation in the labor market.

A Bright Future for Women in India

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya’s emphasis on this "silent revolution" paints an optimistic picture of the future for Indian women. By reshaping traditional perceptions and providing the necessary support, the government has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive economy, where women play an equal and vital role. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Skill India, and Stand-Up India are not only driving economic empowerment but also fostering a sense of independence and self-reliance among women.

As Ms. Smriti Irani highlighted, women in professional sectors are taking on more responsibilities and logging more hours than men in some cases, indicating a shift in workplace dynamics. This trend is likely to continue as more women pursue education and professional opportunities, backed by government policies designed to enhance gender inclusivity.

With these positive changes, India is well on its way to achieving a more balanced workforce. The government's ongoing efforts to address the challenges women face in the unorganized sector will further bolster these gains. As we move forward, it will be crucial to ensure that these initiatives are expanded and adapted to meet the evolving needs of women across all sectors.

Conclusion

The rise in women's workforce participation and self-employment marks a turning point in India’s economic landscape. The government's focus on creating inclusive labor policies and providing financial and social support through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Skill India, and Stand-Up India has led to a silent revolution that is empowering women across the nation.

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