Fewer women entering workforce, India sees 10 per cent dip this decade

An analysis of the study, ‘Female Labour Force Participation in India’ done by Thought Arbitrage Research Institute, shows there was a spurt in the number of working women in India during 2000-2005, increasing from 34 per cent to 37 per cent. 

However, their numbers have reduced continuously thereafter, reaching 27 per cent in 2014, even though the economy was registering unprecedented growth according to World Bank’s report on World Development Indicators. It has fallen significantly by 10 per cent during the last decade. India’s FLFP rates are lowest when compared to other emerging economies such as China (64%, Brazil 59%, Russia (57%) and South Africa 45%. 

At 27 % FLFP, India is far behind the others in the BRICS bloc. Recording a lower FLFP in urban areas in the country, the study said as per the latest data (2011-2012), the FLFP is around 36%, with 31 of 35 states scoring below the national average. Only Andhra Pradesh(undivided), Chattisgarh, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh fared better. 

In 2011, the gap between male-female workforce stood at about 30 per cent in rural areas. In urban centres it was more pronounced, at around 40%. It has also been highlighted that in India, marriage decreases the probability of FLFP by about eight per cent in rural areas and more than twice as much in urban areas. 

The study, conducted with Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in comparing India’s performance with other countries, found lack of access to higher education, dearth of opportunities and lack of flexible working hours to be the main barriers to better participation. 

Remedial measures suggested to improve FLFP include holding more skill training programmes for women, setting up child care centres in large numbers, ensuring women safety and security in every sphere through efforts by both the Central and state governments.