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Women’s Work in Select States in India: Opportunities and Challenges

Women comprise nearly half of the world’s working population and therefore potentially half of its labour force. Female labour force participation (FLFP) represent a women decision to be the part of labour force or part of economically inactive population. At present in nearly every country female labor force participation is lower than that of male labour force participation. Female labour force participation in South Asia is among the lowest of any developing region in the world.

As per PLFS, FLFPR in rural and urban area are 27.7% and 18.6% respectively. India’s low female labour force participation excludes almost half of the potential working age population, leading to gross underutilisation of women’s talents and capabilities and remains a roadblock in reaping and distributing its demographic advantage. Women participation in labour force varies across different region. The variation is determined by an array of economic and social factors including income growth, educational attainment, marital status and other prevailing local social norms.

Compiled Case stories

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue across India, disproportionately affecting women and girls due to entrenched social norms. Women and girls face physical, sexual, and emotional abuse at alarming rates, and these challenges are further exacerbated in marginalised and rural communities. However, through Deendayal Antoyadaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission’s (DAY-NRLM) engendered strategy, women’s collectives are becoming a powerful force for change, providing solidarity, information, and access to formal redressal mechanisms.

This compendium presents ten inspiring stories from six states across India, demonstrating how these collectives, along with institutional mechanisms at the village, block, and district levels, are helping women confront and overcome the complexities of GBV.

Each story in this compendium sheds light on the distinct challenges faced by women in various regions of India, from domestic violence and trafficking to wage parity and witch-hunting. Despite the diversity of these experiences, a common thread runs through them—women drawing strength from their collectives and community resources to fight back against violence and injustice. It is a testament to the power of women’s collectives in transforming lives and communities.

Stepping Out of Vulnerability

The Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a powerful tool helping vulnerable households across India cope with external shocks and internal vulnerabilities. This initiative has supported communities in states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Tripura by offering timely financial aid for food security, healthcare, and livelihood creation, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

States have innovatively adapted VRF to their unique contexts. In Odisha, VRF supported the development of nutrition gardens (Mo Upakari Bagicha), helping women like Soni, who sustained their families and earned livelihoods during the pandemic. In Tripura, facing food shortages and supply disruptions, VRF was crucial in providing basic food and household items during the COVID-19 lockdown. Bihar classified VRF into a Food Security Fund (FSF) and Health Risk Fund (HRF), using it extensively to support returning migrants with essential resources. Meghalaya focused on livelihoods, particularly piggery farming, while also encouraging innovative community efforts like voluntary sales days to raise funds for VRF. Jharkhand has implemented state-specific vulnerability mapping and a web-based application to streamline VRF disbursement.

The VRF’s flexibility—available as grants or low-interest loans—makes it accessible for vulnerable households, helping them address food insecurity, health emergencies, and livelihood challenges. The quick turnaround time for fund disbursement (within seven days of Village Organisation approval) ensures timely support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund played a critical role in mitigating the impacts of job losses, migrant laborers’ return, and food and health crises. By strengthening social inclusion and resilience, VRF continues to be a lifeline for many communities across India.

National Family Health Survey

Discover comprehensive data on women’s socio-economic conditions through our annual factsheets. These factsheets, drawn from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), provide insights into critical areas such as education, health, work participation, decision-making, and access to resources. By analysing trends across various indicators, these factsheets offer a valuable snapshot of women’s lives in India, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges. Explore the factsheets for the latest data and understand the evolving landscape of gender equality and women’s empowerment.