Surge in Female Workforce Participation
Women Power Driving India’s Growth: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 highlights a remarkable rise in women’s participation in the workforce. The Workforce Participation Rate (WPR) among women increased from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24. This marks one of the fastest improvements in recent years.
The unemployment rate also fell from 5.6% to 3.2%, showcasing an improvement in job opportunities and labour absorption. Notably, rural female employment grew by 96%, while urban female employment saw a 43% rise during the same period.
Static GK fact: The PLFS is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Women Led Entrepreneurship
Female entrepreneurship has emerged as a key driver of inclusive growth. Self-employment among women rose by 30%, moving from 51.9% in 2017-18 to 67.4% in 2023-24. This shows a growing trend of women shifting from wage jobs to becoming independent earners.
Nearly 50% of DPIIT-registered startups now have at least one woman director, reflecting increasing participation in innovation and enterprise. Women also received 68% of MUDRA loans, with 44% of PM SVANidhi beneficiaries being women, ensuring access to finance and self-reliance.
Static GK fact: The MUDRA scheme was launched in 2015 to provide collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh to micro and small enterprises.
Growth of Women Led MSMEs
The number of women-led MSMEs almost doubled, from 1 crore in 2010-11 to 1.92 crore in 2023-24, generating more than 89 lakh jobs for women. This shows how grassroots entrepreneurship has turned into a large-scale job generator for the country.
The rise of women in small and medium enterprises aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, encouraging self-sufficiency and local production.
Static GK fact: MSMEs contribute around 30% to India’s GDP and 48% to total exports.
Policy Support and Gender Budgeting
The last decade has witnessed a 429% rise in gender budgets, reflecting the policy shift from women’s development to women-led development. This change recognizes women as leaders, decision-makers, and innovators rather than mere beneficiaries of welfare schemes.
Gender budgeting ensures allocation of funds across ministries with a focus on bridging gender gaps in employment, education, health, and entrepreneurship.
Static GK Tip: India introduced gender budgeting formally in 2005-06, making it one of the early adopters among developing nations.
Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047
Ensuring 70% female workforce participation has been identified as a critical pillar for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Women’s integration in the economy strengthens social equity and enhances national productivity.
The shift from women development to women-led development emphasizes empowerment through leadership, ownership, and innovation. This marks a structural change in India’s growth trajectory.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Women Power Driving India’s Growth:
| Topic | Detail |
| PLFS 2023-24 | Women’s WPR rose to 40.3% from 22% in 2017-18 |
| Unemployment | Fell from 5.6% to 3.2% |
| Rural female employment | Increased by 96% |
| Urban female employment | Increased by 43% |
| Self-employment | Rose from 51.9% to 67.4% |
| Startups | 50% have at least one woman director |
| MUDRA loans | 68% sanctioned to women |
| PM SVANidhi beneficiaries | 44% women |
| Women-led MSMEs | Doubled to 1.92 crore by 2023-24 |
| Gender Budget | Increased by 429% in the last decade |
