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
IWWAGE-ISI-BRIEFS
Land Access, Productivity and Female Labour Force Participation
- December , 2021
- Ayushi Gupta
Authored by Ayushi Gupta (Research Associate, IWWAGE). ISST is a New Delhi–registered public charitable trust (Reg. No. 923; 25 Feb 1980), based at India Habitat Centre, permitted to receive foreign contributions (FCRA: 231650070); donations are eligible for 80G tax exemption. IWWAGE is an initiative of LEAD (IFMR Society), with strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University, and is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the views in this brief are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the Foundation’s.
Authored by Ayushi Gupta (Research Associate, IWWAGE). ISST is a New Delhi–registered public charitable trust (Reg. No. 923; 25 Feb 1980), based at India Habitat Centre, permitted to receive foreign contributions (FCRA: 231650070); donations are eligible for 80G tax exemption. IWWAGE is an initiative of LEAD (IFMR Society), with strategic oversight and brand support from Krea University, and is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the views in this brief are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the Foundation’s.
Learning note
Towards a Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Economic Recovery for India in the COVID-19 Context
- November , 2021
- Kanika Jha Kingra , Soumya Kapoor Mehta
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted India’s most vulnerable populations, with women and girls bearing the brunt of job losses, heightened unpaid care responsibilities, and reduced economic participation. At the peak of the first lockdown in April–June 2020, India’s female labour force participation rate plummeted to just 16%, and nearly half of all working women faced permanent job losses-compared to just 7% of men. Women-owned and women-led micro-enterprises also experienced severe income declines and closures. Despite government relief measures, many failed to reach the most marginalised women and girls. As India moves toward economic recovery, there is an urgent need for a just, equitable, and gender-responsive recovery plan that puts women at the centre. This brief by IWWAGE outlines key short-, medium-, and long-term macroeconomic strategies-across monetary, fiscal, and innovative financing domains-to ensure women and girls are not left behind. It calls for investments in the care economy, the creation of equitable jobs and livelihoods, and the adoption of sustainable, climate-just, and rights-based economic models that support long-term resilience.
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted India’s most vulnerable populations, with women and girls bearing the brunt of job losses, heightened unpaid care responsibilities, and reduced economic participation. At the peak of the first lockdown in April–June 2020, India’s female labour force participation rate plummeted to just 16%, and nearly half of all working women faced permanent job losses-compared to just 7% of men. Women-owned and women-led micro-enterprises also experienced severe income declines and closures. Despite government relief measures, many failed to reach the most marginalised women and girls. As India moves toward economic recovery, there is an urgent need for a just, equitable, and gender-responsive recovery plan that puts women at the centre. This brief by IWWAGE outlines key short-, medium-, and long-term macroeconomic strategies-across monetary, fiscal, and innovative financing domains-to ensure women and girls are not left behind. It calls for investments in the care economy, the creation of equitable jobs and livelihoods, and the adoption of sustainable, climate-just, and rights-based economic models that support long-term resilience.
Newsletter (Gender In Focus)
Gender in Focus
- November , 2021
- IWWAGE
The current edition focuses on our latest study on how the lack of safety, attributed to increasing rate of crime against women and girls, acts as a barrier to women’s participation in the workforce. This edition also showcases recommendations for a macroeconomic recovery for India in a COVID and post COVID context with a specific focus on women as a key constituent of this recovery; the impact of sexual harassment on labour market outcomes; and the impact of the COVID crisis on the gendered dimensions of employment and mental health among urban informal-sector workers.
The current edition focuses on our latest study on how the lack of safety, attributed to increasing rate of crime against women and girls, acts as a barrier to women’s participation in the workforce. This edition also showcases recommendations for a macroeconomic recovery for India in a COVID and post COVID context with a specific focus on women as a key constituent of this recovery; the impact of sexual harassment on labour market outcomes; and the impact of the COVID crisis on the gendered dimensions of employment and mental health among urban informal-sector workers.
Working Paper
Understanding violence & female labour supply
- November , 2021
- Neelanjana Gupta
The paper, What is keeping women from going to work: Understanding violence and female labour supply is an output of the research vertical of the Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE), an initiative of LEAD at Krea University. This document is not a priced publication
The paper, What is keeping women from going to work: Understanding violence and female labour supply is an output of the research vertical of the Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE), an initiative of LEAD at Krea University. This document is not a priced publication
IWWAGE-ISI-BRIEFS
Social Identities and Female Labour Force Participation in India
- November , 2021
- Rhitabrita Mukherjee
This brief compiles evidence and data to assess whether caste-based discrimination in India reinforces women’s already disadvantaged position in the labour force. It examines trends in women’s labour force participation by caste, using the official administrative definitions of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from major government datasets.
This brief compiles evidence and data to assess whether caste-based discrimination in India reinforces women’s already disadvantaged position in the labour force. It examines trends in women’s labour force participation by caste, using the official administrative definitions of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) from major government datasets.
SWAYAM
Case study on addressing COVID-19 challenges_Meghalaya
- September , 2021
- Krestina Shylla
Compendium of best practices
From aspiration to empowerment: Impact of women’s collectives
- July , 2021
- Moumita Sarkar | Kanika Jha Kingra | Seema Bhaskaran
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY NRLM) has adopted a focussed approach towards gender mainstreaming in its programme architecture. This includes establishing institutional mechanisms like Social Action Committees at the village organisation (VO SAC) and cluster federation levels to serve as response mechanisms to various issues that women and girls face, and that continue to act as barriers for them in accessing their rights and entitlements to lead a decent living. These Social Action Committees have shown exemplary leadership in strengthening the gender responsiveness of the programme at the grassroots level, especially during COVID-19. The compendium on best practices titled, From aspiration to empowerment: Impact of women’s collectives, was launched in the presence of Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State, Rural Development, officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and all State Governments through an online event, national webinar on sharing of best practices adopted for addressing gender issues by VO SACs held on June 29, 2021. The compendium of case studies from 23 States highlights the processes, mechanisms, strategies and plans for replicating and scaling gender interventions to advance gender equality and end all forms of discrimination against women and girls. This volume contains inspiring stories of VO-SACs in increasing women’s access to rights and entitlements, and other economic issues like addressing wage disparities between men and women in the village through collective action; addressing issues of drudgery; the labour rights of migrants, prevention of child marriage, increasing girls retention in schools, preventing child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, witch hunting, human trafficking, and COVID-related gender issues. Broadly, the case studies highlight how VO-SACs have used multiple strategies including restorative justice, collective action, offering support to women (including psycho-social support) and sometimes even engaging with men to address issues that matter to women.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY NRLM) has adopted a focussed approach towards gender mainstreaming in its programme architecture. This includes establishing institutional mechanisms like Social Action Committees at the village organisation (VO SAC) and cluster federation levels to serve as response mechanisms to various issues that women and girls face, and that continue to act as barriers for them in accessing their rights and entitlements to lead a decent living. These Social Action Committees have shown exemplary leadership in strengthening the gender responsiveness of the programme at the grassroots level, especially during COVID-19. The compendium on best practices titled, From aspiration to empowerment: Impact of women’s collectives, was launched in the presence of Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State, Rural Development, officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and all State Governments through an online event, national webinar on sharing of best practices adopted for addressing gender issues by VO SACs held on June 29, 2021. The compendium of case studies from 23 States highlights the processes, mechanisms, strategies and plans for replicating and scaling gender interventions to advance gender equality and end all forms of discrimination against women and girls. This volume contains inspiring stories of VO-SACs in increasing women’s access to rights and entitlements, and other economic issues like addressing wage disparities between men and women in the village through collective action; addressing issues of drudgery; the labour rights of migrants, prevention of child marriage, increasing girls retention in schools, preventing child abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence, witch hunting, human trafficking, and COVID-related gender issues. Broadly, the case studies highlight how VO-SACs have used multiple strategies including restorative justice, collective action, offering support to women (including psycho-social support) and sometimes even engaging with men to address issues that matter to women.
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.