Gujarat records a female labour force participation rate above the national average, supported by government policies promoting women’s economic empowerment. Schemes such as Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkars Yojana and Mahila Swavalamban Scheme strengthen financial inclusion, self-help groups, and access to credit for women, especially those below the poverty line. The state also promotes women’s entrepreneurship through targeted training and awareness programmes. Using PLFS 2023–24 data, this factsheet examines women’s employment in Gujarat, focusing on job types, sectoral distribution, and key indicators shaping female workforce participation.
Publications
Publications
Category
Year
SWAYAM
Compiled Case stories
- November , 2022
- Shreya Ghosh | Soya Thomas | Preethi Rao
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.
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.
Report
Stepping Out of Vulnerability
- November , 2022
- Alpaxee Kashyap
This learning practice document examines how Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Tripura have utilised VRFs to support vulnerable households. The case studies highlight diverse applications, including Odisha’s use of VRFs to develop nutrition gardens (Mo Upakari Bagicha), supported by trained women Krishi Mitras who provide agricultural guidance and handholding. The case of Soni illustrates how VRF-supported nutrition gardens helped women sustain livelihoods and earn income during the COVID-19 lockdown.
This learning practice document examines how Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Tripura have utilised VRFs to support vulnerable households. The case studies highlight diverse applications, including Odisha’s use of VRFs to develop nutrition gardens (Mo Upakari Bagicha), supported by trained women Krishi Mitras who provide agricultural guidance and handholding. The case of Soni illustrates how VRF-supported nutrition gardens helped women sustain livelihoods and earn income during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Factsheet
National Family Health Survey
- October , 2022
- Aparna G | Bidisha Mondal
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.
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.
Learning note
Insights from a Survey of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Chhattisgarh
- August , 2022
The CSC survey was conducted as part of an impact evaluation of the Haqdarshak program in Chhattisgarh.Haqdarshikas seem to play an important role in generating demand for less popular schemes especially state-specific schemes, which, nevertheless, bring important benefits to families across all major welfare dimensions, including education, health, shelter, and livelihoods.
The CSC survey was conducted as part of an impact evaluation of the Haqdarshak program in Chhattisgarh.Haqdarshikas seem to play an important role in generating demand for less popular schemes especially state-specific schemes, which, nevertheless, bring important benefits to families across all major welfare dimensions, including education, health, shelter, and livelihoods.
Newsletter (Gender In Focus)
Gender in Focus
- April , 2022
- IWWAGE
This issue of **Gender in Focus** offers a snapshot of IWWAGE’s ongoing work to address key challenges and document best practices. It features insights from a field study on information flows and the role of technology within Self-Help Groups in Chhattisgarh, along with excerpts from research on barriers to women’s career advancement in manufacturing. The issue also highlights a February 2022 report—developed with The Quantum Hub—summarising major trends in women’s work and livelihoods observed in 2021 and the pandemic’s impact on women’s lives. In addition, it includes webinar highlights on COVID-19’s effects across domains, along with updates and recent media coverage.
This issue of **Gender in Focus** offers a snapshot of IWWAGE’s ongoing work to address key challenges and document best practices. It features insights from a field study on information flows and the role of technology within Self-Help Groups in Chhattisgarh, along with excerpts from research on barriers to women’s career advancement in manufacturing. The issue also highlights a February 2022 report—developed with The Quantum Hub—summarising major trends in women’s work and livelihoods observed in 2021 and the pandemic’s impact on women’s lives. In addition, it includes webinar highlights on COVID-19’s effects across domains, along with updates and recent media coverage.
ICRW-GJP-IWWAGE Research Process Documentation
- April , 2020
- Radhika Uppal, Nilanjana Sengupta, Sunandita Banerjee, Somjita Laha
Report
Handbook on institutional mechanisms for addressing gender issues
- March , 2022
- Moumita Sarkar | Soya Thomas | Alpaxee Kashyap
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) recognises poverty as multidimensional and addresses the intersectional vulnerabilities women face due to gender, caste, class, and ethnicity. Believing in empowering women through specialised institutions, DAY-NRLM has developed a gender architecture to tackle these challenges. This structure includes platforms such as Gender Forums (GF), Social Action Committees (SAC), Village Organisations (VO), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLF), which raise awareness about women’s rights and connect them to public institutions. Gender Point Persons (GPP) help raise gender issues within Self-Help Groups (SHGs). While progress varies across states, many have successfully used these platforms to secure rights and entitlements for women. This handbook offers guidance on establishing and maintaining these institutions at all levels. It highlights their transformative role in addressing gender inequality, improving access to rights, and fostering stronger state-citizen relationships. The handbook aims to motivate state partners to invest in these models, demonstrating the positive impact they can have on women’s lives.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) recognises poverty as multidimensional and addresses the intersectional vulnerabilities women face due to gender, caste, class, and ethnicity. Believing in empowering women through specialised institutions, DAY-NRLM has developed a gender architecture to tackle these challenges. This structure includes platforms such as Gender Forums (GF), Social Action Committees (SAC), Village Organisations (VO), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLF), which raise awareness about women’s rights and connect them to public institutions. Gender Point Persons (GPP) help raise gender issues within Self-Help Groups (SHGs). While progress varies across states, many have successfully used these platforms to secure rights and entitlements for women. This handbook offers guidance on establishing and maintaining these institutions at all levels. It highlights their transformative role in addressing gender inequality, improving access to rights, and fostering stronger state-citizen relationships. The handbook aims to motivate state partners to invest in these models, demonstrating the positive impact they can have on women’s lives.
Report
Women and Work: How India Fared in 2021
- January , 2022
- IWWAGE , TQH
The year 2021 continued to challenge global recovery efforts, with the second wave of COVID-19 presenting new hurdles. Women and girls were disproportionately impacted, with structural barriers exacerbating the health crisis. As this report is compiled, the Omicron variant remains a threat, highlighting the need for a gender-responsive and equitable recovery. To achieve this, we must design inclusive social safety nets, bridge the gender gap in access to technology, create hybrid work solutions, reduce and redistribute care work, and invest in the care economy. Collecting robust, sex-disaggregated data is crucial to ensure effective, scalable policies and solutions. This report maps the ongoing efforts to bring women back into the workforce and prepare them for the future of work. It highlights key policy and programmatic developments that shaped women’s work in India in 2021. Additionally, the report looks ahead, emphasising new-age skills, entrepreneurship, and non-traditional livelihoods for a self-reliant India. It also sheds light on social indicators influencing women’s workforce participation, including access to resources, health, well-being, and security.
The year 2021 continued to challenge global recovery efforts, with the second wave of COVID-19 presenting new hurdles. Women and girls were disproportionately impacted, with structural barriers exacerbating the health crisis. As this report is compiled, the Omicron variant remains a threat, highlighting the need for a gender-responsive and equitable recovery. To achieve this, we must design inclusive social safety nets, bridge the gender gap in access to technology, create hybrid work solutions, reduce and redistribute care work, and invest in the care economy. Collecting robust, sex-disaggregated data is crucial to ensure effective, scalable policies and solutions. This report maps the ongoing efforts to bring women back into the workforce and prepare them for the future of work. It highlights key policy and programmatic developments that shaped women’s work in India in 2021. Additionally, the report looks ahead, emphasising new-age skills, entrepreneurship, and non-traditional livelihoods for a self-reliant India. It also sheds light on social indicators influencing women’s workforce participation, including access to resources, health, well-being, and security.
Learning note
Innovations for Women’s Empowerment Collectives in Chhattisgarh
- December , 2021
IWWAGE and LEAD at Krea University, in partnership with Bihan and with support from the Gates Foundation, are testing digital and assisted models to strengthen Women’s Empowerment Collectives (WECs) in Chhattisgarh. These pilots include: Haqdarshak: Training SHG women as digital agents (Haqdarshikas) to help communities access government entitlements, with over 2.9 lakh applications processed and income generated for agents. Mor Awaaz: Encouraging mobile phone use among women in SKY villages through weekly information calls, aiming to shift gender norms and improve digital engagement. Information Sharing in SHGs: Exploring how digital tools and social networks influence knowledge sharing and economic resilience, with planned training on soap-making and business skills for SHG women. These initiatives aim to build digital capacity, promote economic inclusion, and strengthen community-based support systems for rural women.
IWWAGE and LEAD at Krea University, in partnership with Bihan and with support from the Gates Foundation, are testing digital and assisted models to strengthen Women’s Empowerment Collectives (WECs) in Chhattisgarh. These pilots include: Haqdarshak: Training SHG women as digital agents (Haqdarshikas) to help communities access government entitlements, with over 2.9 lakh applications processed and income generated for agents. Mor Awaaz: Encouraging mobile phone use among women in SKY villages through weekly information calls, aiming to shift gender norms and improve digital engagement. Information Sharing in SHGs: Exploring how digital tools and social networks influence knowledge sharing and economic resilience, with planned training on soap-making and business skills for SHG women. These initiatives aim to build digital capacity, promote economic inclusion, and strengthen community-based support systems for rural women.
Working Paper
Understanding the barriers to women’s career advancement in the manufacturing sector
- December , 2021
- Swati Sharma
This paper, Understanding the barriers to women’s career advancement in manufacturing sector: diagnostic study of Indian garment factories, is part of the working paper series and has been produced with the help of IWWAGE research fellowship to young researchers in 2019
This paper, Understanding the barriers to women’s career advancement in manufacturing sector: diagnostic study of Indian garment factories, is part of the working paper series and has been produced with the help of IWWAGE research fellowship to young researchers in 2019
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour Force Participation in Gujrat
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary and Bidisha Mondal
Gujarat records a female labour force participation rate above the national average, supported by government policies promoting women’s economic empowerment. Schemes such as Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkars Yojana and Mahila Swavalamban Scheme strengthen financial inclusion, self-help groups, and access to credit for women, especially those below the poverty line. The state also promotes women’s entrepreneurship through targeted training and awareness programmes. Using PLFS 2023–24 data, this factsheet examines women’s employment in Gujarat, focusing on job types, sectoral distribution, and key indicators shaping female workforce participation.
Gujarat records a female labour force participation rate above the national average, supported by government policies promoting women’s economic empowerment. Schemes such as Mukhyamantri Mahila Utkars Yojana and Mahila Swavalamban Scheme strengthen financial inclusion, self-help groups, and access to credit for women, especially those below the poverty line. The state also promotes women’s entrepreneurship through targeted training and awareness programmes. Using PLFS 2023–24 data, this factsheet examines women’s employment in Gujarat, focusing on job types, sectoral distribution, and key indicators shaping female workforce participation.
Factsheet
Trend in Female Labour Force Participation in Chhattisgarh
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary and Bidisha Mondal
Chhattisgarh records a significantly higher female labour force participation rate than the national average, particularly in rural areas, with rising women’s participation evident since before 2016. Tribal women participate in the labour market at much higher rates than non-tribal women, but most are engaged in self-employment, with a large share working as unpaid family workers. While schemes such as Mahila Kosh and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission aim to promote women’s financial independence, the dominance of unpaid work highlights the need for a deeper examination of labour market conditions and opportunities for women in the state.
Chhattisgarh records a significantly higher female labour force participation rate than the national average, particularly in rural areas, with rising women’s participation evident since before 2016. Tribal women participate in the labour market at much higher rates than non-tribal women, but most are engaged in self-employment, with a large share working as unpaid family workers. While schemes such as Mahila Kosh and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission aim to promote women’s financial independence, the dominance of unpaid work highlights the need for a deeper examination of labour market conditions and opportunities for women in the state.
Chhattisgarh records a significantly higher female labour force participation rate than the national average, particularly in rural areas, with rising women’s participation evident since before 2016. Tribal women participate in the labour market at much higher rates than non-tribal women, but most are engaged in self-employment, with a large share working as unpaid family workers. While schemes such as Mahila Kosh and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission aim to promote women’s financial independence, the dominance of unpaid work highlights the need for a deeper examination of labour market conditions and opportunities for women in the state.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour Force Participation in Assam
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary, Vidhi and Bidisha Mondal
Assam has seen a notable rise in female labour force participation since 2021–22, exceeding the national average. However, data for 2022–23 shows an unusually wide gender gap and the lowest recorded female participation, largely due to an NSSO enumeration error that led to underreporting. In recent years, the state has introduced several pro-women initiatives focused on self-employment, skill development, and access to credit, which are expected to support higher female participation. Updated PLFS data will provide a clearer picture of emerging trends in women’s employment in Assam.
Assam has seen a notable rise in female labour force participation since 2021–22, exceeding the national average. However, data for 2022–23 shows an unusually wide gender gap and the lowest recorded female participation, largely due to an NSSO enumeration error that led to underreporting. In recent years, the state has introduced several pro-women initiatives focused on self-employment, skill development, and access to credit, which are expected to support higher female participation. Updated PLFS data will provide a clearer picture of emerging trends in women’s employment in Assam.
Assam has seen a notable rise in female labour force participation since 2021–22, exceeding the national average. However, data for 2022–23 shows an unusually wide gender gap and the lowest recorded female participation, largely due to an NSSO enumeration error that led to underreporting. In recent years, the state has introduced several pro-women initiatives focused on self-employment, skill development, and access to credit, which are expected to support higher female participation. Updated PLFS data will provide a clearer picture of emerging trends in women’s employment in Assam.
Factsheet
Trend In Female Labour Force and Workforce Participation- Telangana
- April , 2025
- Vidhi and Bidisha Mondal
Telangana has emerged as a major industrial and services-led economy, with GSDP growing nearly 197% between 2014–15 and 2023–24. Services contribute about two-thirds of GSVA, while industry has achieved near gender parity in employment due to targeted policy interventions. Agriculture remains a key employer, engaging 45.8% of the population but contributing a smaller share to GSDP. Women are largely concentrated in agriculture, while men dominate services. This factsheet examines trends in female labour force participation in Telangana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, focusing on sectoral distribution, occupational segregation, and workforce barriers.
Telangana has emerged as a major industrial and services-led economy, with GSDP growing nearly 197% between 2014–15 and 2023–24. Services contribute about two-thirds of GSVA, while industry has achieved near gender parity in employment due to targeted policy interventions. Agriculture remains a key employer, engaging 45.8% of the population but contributing a smaller share to GSDP. Women are largely concentrated in agriculture, while men dominate services. This factsheet examines trends in female labour force participation in Telangana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, focusing on sectoral distribution, occupational segregation, and workforce barriers.
Telangana has emerged as a major industrial and services-led economy, with GSDP growing nearly 197% between 2014–15 and 2023–24. Services contribute about two-thirds of GSVA, while industry has achieved near gender parity in employment due to targeted policy interventions. Agriculture remains a key employer, engaging 45.8% of the population but contributing a smaller share to GSDP. Women are largely concentrated in agriculture, while men dominate services. This factsheet examines trends in female labour force participation in Telangana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, focusing on sectoral distribution, occupational segregation, and workforce barriers.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour and Workforce Participation- Meghalaya
- April , 2025
- Aneek Chowdhury, Bidisha Mondal
Meghalaya’s FLFPR is significantly higher than the average for India and many other states. Although the proportion of self-employed women has risen in both rural and urban areas, the overwhelming majority (over 75 per cent) are own-account workers. The report highlights the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in Meghalaya compared to other states in the country and delve into the specific data and factors influencing this FLFPR.
Meghalaya’s FLFPR is significantly higher than the average for India and many other states. Although the proportion of self-employed women has risen in both rural and urban areas, the overwhelming majority (over 75 per cent) are own-account workers. The report highlights the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in Meghalaya compared to other states in the country and delve into the specific data and factors influencing this FLFPR.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour and Workforce Participation – Chhattisgarh
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary
Chhattisgarh records significantly higher female labour force participation than the national average (60% vs 42% in PLFS 2023–24), driven mainly by increased involvement of women in agriculture and allied activities since 2016. However, much of this work remains informal, with high shares of self-employment and unpaid family labour (91% in PLFS 2023–24). While schemes like the Mahila Cash and National Rural Livelihoods Mission have expanded women’s self-help groups, these patterns point to the need for deeper analysis of job quality, labour conditions, and meaningful economic opportunities for women in the state.
Chhattisgarh records significantly higher female labour force participation than the national average (60% vs 42% in PLFS 2023–24), driven mainly by increased involvement of women in agriculture and allied activities since 2016. However, much of this work remains informal, with high shares of self-employment and unpaid family labour (91% in PLFS 2023–24). While schemes like the Mahila Cash and National Rural Livelihoods Mission have expanded women’s self-help groups, these patterns point to the need for deeper analysis of job quality, labour conditions, and meaningful economic opportunities for women in the state.
Chhattisgarh records significantly higher female labour force participation than the national average (60% vs 42% in PLFS 2023–24), driven mainly by increased involvement of women in agriculture and allied activities since 2016. However, much of this work remains informal, with high shares of self-employment and unpaid family labour (91% in PLFS 2023–24). While schemes like the Mahila Cash and National Rural Livelihoods Mission have expanded women’s self-help groups, these patterns point to the need for deeper analysis of job quality, labour conditions, and meaningful economic opportunities for women in the state.