India has recorded a significant rise in women’s employment in the formal workforce, with the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 and above reaching 41.7% in 2023–24, up from 23.3% in 2019–20.
This 18.4 percentage point increase marks a pivotal moment in the country’s employment landscape, reflecting the impact of sustained policy efforts, social awareness, and economic shifts.
The data, presented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and supported by EPFO payroll records, indicates that 26.9 lakh women joined the formal sector as net subscribers in 2024–25 alone.
This surge is seen as a strong indicator of growing awareness around social security and a gradual move toward structured employment.
Government Schemes Driving Participation
The rise in formal employment among women is closely linked to a series of targeted government initiatives.
Flagship programs such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme have played a key role in skilling and financing women-led enterprises.
Specialized schemes like Stand-Up India, Startup India, and WISE-KIRAN have encouraged women’s entry into underrepresented sectors such as science, engineering, and technology.
Additionally, livelihood-focused programs like Mission Shakti, Namo Drone Didi, and Lakhpati Didi have supported self-reliance through skilling and micro-entrepreneurship.
The newly introduced Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme aims to further boost job creation in manufacturing while expanding the social security net for female workers.
Labour Reforms and Workplace Support to Women for Employment
Recent labour reforms have also contributed to this upward trend.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 introduced several protections for women, including extended paid maternity leave, mandatory crèche facilities, and safeguards for night shift workers.
These measures have helped create safer and more accommodating work environments.
The ‘Palna’ component of Mission Shakti, which offers free childcare services through Anganwadi-cum-Crèches, has enabled more mothers to remain in the workforce by easing caregiving burdens.
Employment for Women: Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress, experts caution that a large portion of women in the formal workforce remain in self-employment or part-time roles, with relatively few occupying salaried or leadership positions.
Barriers such as workplace safety, unpaid care responsibilities, and limited access to decision-making roles continue to hinder full economic inclusion.
To address these gaps, the Ministry of Labour and Employment convened a Round Table Discussion in March 2025, focusing on four key themes: Care Ecosystem, Future of Jobs & Skilling, Safe & Equitable Workplaces, and AI & Digital Interventions.
The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and skilling institutions to shape reforms that support sustainable and inclusive workforce participation.
A Step Toward Gender-Balanced Growth
The rise in women’s formal workforce participation goes beyond numbers and percentages.
It signifies a significant shift in society’s commitment to achieving gender equity in employment.
Sustained efforts in skilling, workplace reforms, and inclusive policies are strengthening the foundation for economic progress.
These measures are positioning India to achieve a more balanced and resilient economy.
As the country moves toward its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the goal of 70% female workforce participation remains ambitious but increasingly attainable.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
