This factsheet explores Madhya Pradesh’s economy, contributing 4% to the national GDP with a GSDP of Rs. 8.1 lakh crores. Despite its natural resources, the state ranks among the bottom ten in per capita GSDP. With nearly 20% of the population being Scheduled Tribes, districts like Barwani, Damoh, and Guna experience higher poverty rates, highlighting the challenges faced by MP’s large tribal population.
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Publications
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Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- November , 2020
- Sona Mitra , Hiya Singh Rajput
Madhya Pradesh, known as the heart of India, is the second-largest state by area and rich in natural resources. With a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 8.1 lakh crores, MP contributes around 4% to the national GDP. However, the state faces significant challenges, ranking among the bottom ten states in per capita GSDP. Nearly 20% of MP’s population comprises Scheduled Tribes (STs), and districts like Barwani, Damoh, and Guna are among the poorest in the country, reflecting higher poverty rates among the state’s large tribal population.
Madhya Pradesh, known as the heart of India, is the second-largest state by area and rich in natural resources. With a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 8.1 lakh crores, MP contributes around 4% to the national GDP. However, the state faces significant challenges, ranking among the bottom ten states in per capita GSDP. Nearly 20% of MP’s population comprises Scheduled Tribes (STs), and districts like Barwani, Damoh, and Guna are among the poorest in the country, reflecting higher poverty rates among the state’s large tribal population.
Working Paper
Understanding the Market Landscape and Enterprise Readiness for Women-led Home-based Businesses in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan
- November , 2020
- RIGZOM WANGCHUK, RIA DUTTA
This document is not a priced publication. Copyright @ 2020 Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE), an initiative of LEAD at Krea University. Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purpose is authorised, without prior written permission, provided the source is fully acknowledged. For further information, please write to communications@iwwage. org. This publication was possible with the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
This document is not a priced publication. Copyright @ 2020 Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE), an initiative of LEAD at Krea University. Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purpose is authorised, without prior written permission, provided the source is fully acknowledged. For further information, please write to communications@iwwage. org. This publication was possible with the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The findings and conclusions in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Factsheet
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- November , 2020
- Sona Mitra, Hiya Singh Rajput
In urban areas of Madhya Pradesh, while the rise of women in regular wage work appears to be a positive trend, more in-depth analyses is required on the nature of employment contracts for women. On the positive side, the share of women in own account enterprises is substantially high in MP, more so in urban parts of the state
In urban areas of Madhya Pradesh, while the rise of women in regular wage work appears to be a positive trend, more in-depth analyses is required on the nature of employment contracts for women. On the positive side, the share of women in own account enterprises is substantially high in MP, more so in urban parts of the state
Factsheet
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- November , 2020
- Nidhi Gyan Pandey, Sona Mitra
This factsheet examines Maharashtra’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting its strong economic performance with the highest GSDP in India. Despite this, the state faces gender disparities, with a sex ratio of 958 females per 1,000 males and an urban female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) of just 16.8%. Rural FLFPR is higher, driving the state’s overall rate to 31%, but urban gender inequalities in employment persist.
This factsheet examines Maharashtra’s socio-economic landscape, highlighting its strong economic performance with the highest GSDP in India. Despite this, the state faces gender disparities, with a sex ratio of 958 females per 1,000 males and an urban female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) of just 16.8%. Rural FLFPR is higher, driving the state’s overall rate to 31%, but urban gender inequalities in employment persist.
Factsheet
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- November , 2020
- Nidhi Gyan Pandey, Sona Mitra
This factsheet provides an overview of Andhra Pradesh’s economy, where agriculture employs 60% of the population but contributes 32% to the GSDP. The state’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) is notably higher than the national average, with rural FLFPR at 39% and urban at 25.1%, driven in part by women’s participation in the MGNREGA programme.
This factsheet provides an overview of Andhra Pradesh’s economy, where agriculture employs 60% of the population but contributes 32% to the GSDP. The state’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) is notably higher than the national average, with rural FLFPR at 39% and urban at 25.1%, driven in part by women’s participation in the MGNREGA programme.
SWAYAM
Community and Institutional Response to COVID-19 in India: Role of Women’s SHG and DAY-NRLM
- October , 2020
- Soumya Kapoor Mehta | Rukmini Tankha
The women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) network promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) assumed particular significance during COVID-19 given its tremendous outreach in rural areas, and the trust, social capital and networks enjoyed by women’s institutional platforms of the poor. Women’s SHGs of DAY-NRLM emerged as pivotal actors, leading from the front in crisis response. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a trigger mobilising SHG women to come together to transcend their group identity and contribute through collective action towards crisis management, including helping those in need – thus demonstrating the transformational potential of women’s collectives. As the pandemic and its impacts continue unabated, this juncture can provide the women’s SHG movement in India the unique opportunity to define agendas and priorities that are most relevant to them during the recovery phase. DAY-NRLM can act as a critically important facilitation agency in ensuring this objective in the challenging times ahead. With the objective of recognising the work undertaken by women’s SHGs, and highlighting their indispensable economic and social contribution, the report summarises good practices, strategies and innovations that were spearheaded by SHGs in collaboration with State Rural Livelihoods Missions during the pandemic. This report highlights that economic and social action unleashed by women’s SHGs coupled with existing institutional investments, mechanisms and collaborations forged by DAY-NRLM and SRLMs can help in developing decentralised, participatory and context-specific local solutions amid any crisis.
The women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) network promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) assumed particular significance during COVID-19 given its tremendous outreach in rural areas, and the trust, social capital and networks enjoyed by women’s institutional platforms of the poor. Women’s SHGs of DAY-NRLM emerged as pivotal actors, leading from the front in crisis response. The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a trigger mobilising SHG women to come together to transcend their group identity and contribute through collective action towards crisis management, including helping those in need – thus demonstrating the transformational potential of women’s collectives. As the pandemic and its impacts continue unabated, this juncture can provide the women’s SHG movement in India the unique opportunity to define agendas and priorities that are most relevant to them during the recovery phase. DAY-NRLM can act as a critically important facilitation agency in ensuring this objective in the challenging times ahead. With the objective of recognising the work undertaken by women’s SHGs, and highlighting their indispensable economic and social contribution, the report summarises good practices, strategies and innovations that were spearheaded by SHGs in collaboration with State Rural Livelihoods Missions during the pandemic. This report highlights that economic and social action unleashed by women’s SHGs coupled with existing institutional investments, mechanisms and collaborations forged by DAY-NRLM and SRLMs can help in developing decentralised, participatory and context-specific local solutions amid any crisis.
Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation In India: Statewise Trends
- October , 2020
Madhya Pradesh (MP) is the only state in India to have witnessed a rise in workforce participation rates (WPRs) of women in both rural and urban areas between 2011-12 and 2017-18. The increase in women’s WPR in MP was driven largely by increase in self-employment in the rural areas and regular employment in the urban areas. According to the Periodic Labourforce Survey in 2017-18, more than half of the female workforce in the state is self-employed, with a higher incidence of self-employment in rural areas. While approximately 88 percent of the rural self-employed women in MP are engaged in unpaid work, the share of women in own account enterprises is substantially high in urban MP. The distribution of casual women workers suggests very few women engaged under MGNREGA and other public works as 96 percent women in casual employment were engaged in non-public works, with very little security or guarantee of payment
Madhya Pradesh (MP) is the only state in India to have witnessed a rise in workforce participation rates (WPRs) of women in both rural and urban areas between 2011-12 and 2017-18. The increase in women’s WPR in MP was driven largely by increase in self-employment in the rural areas and regular employment in the urban areas. According to the Periodic Labourforce Survey in 2017-18, more than half of the female workforce in the state is self-employed, with a higher incidence of self-employment in rural areas. While approximately 88 percent of the rural self-employed women in MP are engaged in unpaid work, the share of women in own account enterprises is substantially high in urban MP. The distribution of casual women workers suggests very few women engaged under MGNREGA and other public works as 96 percent women in casual employment were engaged in non-public works, with very little security or guarantee of payment
Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- October , 2020
- Nidhi Gyan Pandey
Odisha, located on India’s eastern coastline, is rich in natural resources with forests covering 33.2% of its area. The state’s economy is largely agro-based, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors providing around 50% of employment. Despite frequent cyclones and floods that impact livelihoods, Odisha’s service, industrial, and mining sectors contribute significantly to its GSDP. With a large tribal population, tribal women play a key role in forest produce collection and handicraft industries. Female labour force participation in Odisha remains low, with rural and urban FLFPRs below the national average at 15.2% and 13.4%, respectively.
Odisha, located on India’s eastern coastline, is rich in natural resources with forests covering 33.2% of its area. The state’s economy is largely agro-based, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors providing around 50% of employment. Despite frequent cyclones and floods that impact livelihoods, Odisha’s service, industrial, and mining sectors contribute significantly to its GSDP. With a large tribal population, tribal women play a key role in forest produce collection and handicraft industries. Female labour force participation in Odisha remains low, with rural and urban FLFPRs below the national average at 15.2% and 13.4%, respectively.
Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- October , 2020
- Nidhi Gyan Pandey , Sona Mitra
Gujarat, one of India’s most industrially advanced states, is a hub for textile manufacturing and diamond trade with a high GSDP per capita of Rs 1,65,414. Despite its economic strengths, Gujarat faces significant challenges in social development. The state has a low sex ratio (866 females per 1,000 males) and high rates of under-nutrition, with 55% of women aged 15-49 being anaemic. Education indicators also lag behind national averages, and gender inequality in the labour market is prevalent. The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) stands at 16.9%, below the national average, with large gender disparities in both rural and urban areas. This factsheet explores key economic and social indicators for Gujarat in 2020.
Gujarat, one of India’s most industrially advanced states, is a hub for textile manufacturing and diamond trade with a high GSDP per capita of Rs 1,65,414. Despite its economic strengths, Gujarat faces significant challenges in social development. The state has a low sex ratio (866 females per 1,000 males) and high rates of under-nutrition, with 55% of women aged 15-49 being anaemic. Education indicators also lag behind national averages, and gender inequality in the labour market is prevalent. The female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) stands at 16.9%, below the national average, with large gender disparities in both rural and urban areas. This factsheet explores key economic and social indicators for Gujarat in 2020.
Factsheet
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- October , 2020
- Nidhi Gyan Pandey
This factsheet highlights Odisha’s economy, which is largely agro-based, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing providing 50% of employment. Despite natural disasters, the state’s service, industrial, and mining sectors contribute significantly to its GSDP. Tribal women play a vital role in forest produce collection and handicrafts, yet female labor force participation remains low, with rural and urban FLFPRs at 15.2% and 13.4%, respectively.
While the share of women workers in regular wage work has been increasing all across India, Odisha has shown exceptional growth in this regard, particularly in urban areas. But as in other states, this has not translated into improved working conditions for women.
While the share of women workers in regular wage work has been increasing all across India, Odisha has shown exceptional growth in this regard, particularly in urban areas. But as in other states, this has not translated into improved working conditions for women.
Report Snapshot
Swayam Process Evaluation: A Year-Long Ethnography Study, Madhya Pradesh & Odisha
- June , 2025
- Anushree Goenka, Lopamudra Nayak, Moumita Mandal, Shaheen Kauser, Sudhir Kumar Kori, Anubha Dixit, Mallika Mitra Biswas, Garvi Dhar, Pratyusha Barua, Surabhi Awasthi, Gayathri Sreedharan
This study assesses the impact of training programmes on community change and empowerment among leaders of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). It also includes interviews with district- and block-level officials from MPSRLM and OLM to examine how line departments collaborate with community institutions to address and resolve complaints.
This study assesses the impact of training programmes on community change and empowerment among leaders of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). It also includes interviews with district- and block-level officials from MPSRLM and OLM to examine how line departments collaborate with community institutions to address and resolve complaints.
Report
Swayam Process Evaluation: A Year-Long Ethnography Study, Madhya Pradesh & Odisha
- June , 2025
- Surabhi Awasthi, Moumita Sarkar and Gayathri Sreedharan
This study assesses the impact of training programmes on community change and empowerment among leaders of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). It also includes interviews with district- and block-level officials from MPSRLM and OLM to examine how line departments collaborate with community institutions to address and resolve complaints.
This study assesses the impact of training programmes on community change and empowerment among leaders of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). It also includes interviews with district- and block-level officials from MPSRLM and OLM to examine how line departments collaborate with community institutions to address and resolve complaints.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour and Workforce Participation-Bihar
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary and Bidisha Mondal
Bihar, despite being one of India’s fastest-growing states, has the lowest female labour force participation rate, alongside a widening gender gap. Policy focus on girls’ education, skills, entrepreneurship, and social support through schemes such as the Balika Cycle Yojana, Akshar Anchal Yojana, and Kanya Suraksha Yojana have contributed to recent improvements in female participation. Using PLFS data, this factsheet examines trends and key characteristics of women’s employment in Bihar.
Bihar, despite being one of India’s fastest-growing states, has the lowest female labour force participation rate, alongside a widening gender gap. Policy focus on girls’ education, skills, entrepreneurship, and social support through schemes such as the Balika Cycle Yojana, Akshar Anchal Yojana, and Kanya Suraksha Yojana have contributed to recent improvements in female participation. Using PLFS data, this factsheet examines trends and key characteristics of women’s employment in Bihar.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour Force Participation in Uttar Pradesh
- April , 2025
- Aneek Choudhary and Bidisha Mondal
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has a large working-age female population but a female labor force participation rate that is well below the national average. Regional disparities, weak infrastructure in eastern UP, restrictive socio-cultural norms, and limited economic opportunities contribute to low participation. Female workforce participation has improved since 2017–18, supported by schemes such as the Mudra Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, which have expanded women’s access to credit, strengthened self-help groups, and promoted women’s economic empowerment across the state.
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has a large working-age female population but a female labor force participation rate that is well below the national average. Regional disparities, weak infrastructure in eastern UP, restrictive socio-cultural norms, and limited economic opportunities contribute to low participation. Female workforce participation has improved since 2017–18, supported by schemes such as the Mudra Yojana and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, which have expanded women’s access to credit, strengthened self-help groups, and promoted women’s economic empowerment across the state.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour Force and Workforce Participation- Haryana
- April , 2025
- Vidhi, Aneek Choudhary and Bidisha Mondal
Haryana has transitioned from an agrarian to a more industrial economy, characterized by strong agricultural output and growing sectors such as automotive and IT. Despite economic growth, unemployment remains high, particularly among youth and women, due to limited formal job opportunities and structural challenges. This factsheet analyses female labour force participation in Haryana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, highlighting sectoral trends, occupational segregation, and barriers to workforce entry.
Haryana has transitioned from an agrarian to a more industrial economy, characterized by strong agricultural output and growing sectors such as automotive and IT. Despite economic growth, unemployment remains high, particularly among youth and women, due to limited formal job opportunities and structural challenges. This factsheet analyses female labour force participation in Haryana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, highlighting sectoral trends, occupational segregation, and barriers to workforce entry.
Haryana has transitioned from an agrarian to a more industrial economy, characterized by strong agricultural output and growing sectors such as automotive and IT. Despite economic growth, unemployment remains high, particularly among youth and women, due to limited formal job opportunities and structural challenges. This factsheet analyses female labour force participation in Haryana from 2017–18 to 2023–24, highlighting sectoral trends, occupational segregation, and barriers to workforce entry.
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.
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.