| Introduction: Give recent context to the question Body: What are the implications of increasing the participation rate of women and the factors contributing to it? Conclusion: Way forward |
The latest periodic labour force survey for 2022-23 indicates that the national labor force participation rate has been steadily rising & unemployment rate has also been declining concurrently. On the surface, this should be a sign that the labor market is becoming better. Nonetheless, the study also shows an increase in self-employment and a decrease in the percentage of traditional wage/salaried work.
What are the implications of increasing the participation of women in rural India?
- Economic Empowerment: As more women enter the workforce, they become more economically empowered, enabling them to contribute to the family income and lessen their reliance on outside assistance.
- Poverty Alleviation: By increasing household incomes and giving families more money for necessities, education, and healthcare, the trend can help reduce poverty in rural areas.
- Development of Skills: As more women enter the workforce, they acquire important knowledge and expertise that could enhance their employability and long-term financial prospects.
- Gender Equality: Women’s participation in the workforce challenges gender norms and advances gender equality, which creates a more inclusive society.
- Agricultural Sector: Rural women often participate in agriculture, and their involvement can lead to increased agricultural productivity and innovation.
How has economic distress affected this trend?
- Restricted Economic prospects: Women who are experiencing financial hardship may decide to join the workforce to support their families in areas where there are few economic prospects.
- Agricultural Challenges: Low crop yields, debt, and climate-related concerns can all contribute to economic misery in rural regions and force women to participate in the workforce.
- Government Initiatives: Government plans and initiatives that seek to give women in rural areas access to jobs can help motivate women to enter the workforce. Eg, There has been an increase in MGNREGA enrolment among the female labour force in rural areas which has been witnessed since COVID.
- Social and Cultural Norms: As a result of evolving social and cultural norms that support increased female participation, women may occasionally join the workforce.
- Education: One important factor is the educational attainment of rural women. Increased workforce involvement may result from improved educational access.
Conclusion
While the participation rate in rural areas has risen from 24.6 percent in 2017-18 to 41.5 percent in 2022-23 this increase is on account of an increase in the share of the self-employed while the share of regular wage/salaried employed has fallen which reinforces concerns that the economy is unable to generate sufficient productive and remunerative forms of employment to absorb the millions entering the labour force each year.
