Unlocking Women's Workforce Potential in India
India's economic growth and social equity largely depend on increasing women's participation in the workforce. Despite progress in education and healthcare, a significant 60% of India's working-age women remain outside the labor force, affecting the economy significantly.
Key Barriers to Women's Economic Participation
- Unpaid Care Work:
Women in India spend more than twice the time on unpaid domestic duties compared to men, limiting their opportunities for paid employment. This imbalance is highlighted in the Time Use in India Report 2019. - Lack of Formal Part-time Employment:
India lacks formal part-time work options, unlike advanced economies. Women seeking flexible work arrangements often end up in informal jobs without security or benefits.
Study Findings
The study, using the McCall-Mortensen job search model, suggests that addressing these barriers could increase the female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) from 37% to 43%.
Proposed Interventions
- Formalising Part-time Employment:
- Introduce formal part-time work contracts with pro-rated wages and benefits.
- Scandinavian countries serve as a model with their robust policies supporting flexible work.
- Redistributing Unpaid Care Work:
- Implement policy measures like paid parental leave and invest in childcare infrastructure.
- Promote cultural changes to challenge traditional gender roles.
Policy Recommendations
- Invest in Care Infrastructure:
Public and private investments in affordable childcare and eldercare facilities are crucial. - Promote Gender Equality in Caregiving:
- Introduce policies for shared caregiving responsibilities and conduct awareness campaigns.
- Encourage Flexible Work Policies:
Employers should adopt remote work and adjustable schedules to support employees with caregiving responsibilities.
Economic Impact
Increasing female participation in the workforce could boost India's GDP by 27%, according to the International Monetary Fund. This would improve household incomes, living standards, and economic productivity.
Challenges and Implementation
Deeply ingrained cultural norms and the informal nature of India's labor market pose significant challenges. A coordinated effort from policymakers, employers, and civil society is essential to address these issues.
As India aims to become a developed nation by 2047, leveraging its women's workforce is vital for a brighter and more inclusive future.
