India has witnessed a remarkable increase in the female workforce participation rate. The Labour and Employment Ministry said the female labour force participation rate has increased from 23 per cent in 2017-18 to around 42 per cent in 2023-24.

 

 

 

According to World Bank Data, over the past decade, India has recorded the most significant rise in women’s labour force participation among the BRICS nations. The Ministry said, this upward trajectory reflects country’s rapid transformation in women’s economic inclusion, driven by targeted policy initiatives that expand access to skills, credit, and formal employment.

 

 

 

The government has taken various women-centric initiatives to promote inclusivity in the workplace, workplace wellness and holistic wellbeing of female employees in government service. These measures include exemption of fee from competitive examinations, grant of 730 days Child Care Leave, Posting of husband and wife at the same station and grant of 180 days maternity leave.

 

 

 

A range of employment and skill development initiatives have also been launched by the government across Ministries to enhance women’s participation in the workforce and equipping them with market-relevant skills.

 

 

 

One Stop Centres have been established to provide comprehensive support to women facing violence, offering medical assistance, legal aid, psychological counselling, and shelter services under one roof. As India moves towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the empowerment of women at work is not just a priority but it is a defining force of national progress.