Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in India
GS-3 : Mains
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : Discuss the factors contributing to the low female labor force participation rate (LFPR) in India compared to males.
Key Findings:
- Low female LFPR compared to males (2023: 37% vs 78.5%).
- Global average female LFPR is 49% (World Bank).
- Decline since 2000, with a recent uptick, especially in rural areas.
- Increase mainly in self-employment and unpaid family work.
- Regular salaried work declining after 2018.
Reasons for Low Participation:
- Cultural and Social Norms:Gender roles discourage women from working outside the home.
- Educational Attainment:Limited access to quality education restricts skill development.
- Unequal Pay:The gender pay gap discourages women from working.
- Structural Rigidities:Limited formal job opportunities, especially for low-skilled women.
- Security Issues:Concerns about sexual harassment at work.
Government Initiatives:
- Code on Wages (2019):Ensures equal pay for equal work.
- Maternity Benefit Act (2017):Provides improved maternity benefits.
- Code on OSH (2020):Improved working conditions for women in some sectors.
- Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK):Provides microloans for women’s livelihood activities.
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM):Supports skill development and income generation for rural women.
- MGNREGA:Promotes rural employment with a focus on women’s participation.
Way Ahead:
- Increase in LFPR is mainly in rural, self-employment (unpaid work).
- Policies needed on both demand and supply side:
- Demand Side:Promote labor-intensive sectors (manufacturing, services).
- Supply Side:
- Public investment in safety, transport infrastructure.
- Public investment in affordable childcare and eldercare.
- These measures can enable women to work outside the home and access better-paying jobs.
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