Publications
Publications
Category
Year
Report
National Gender Campaign 2.0 Assessment Report – English
- November , 2024
- Aayesha Saxena , Gaurav Kumar Sinha , Arpita Paul
Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in 2022, Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki is a national gender campaign under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The campaign aims to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across various life stages of women and girls, promote reporting, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders for safe redress mechanisms. The first edition of the campaign was introduced on November 25, 2022, with the theme of equity and ending GBV. Building on its inaugural success, the second edition was launched on November 25, 2023. This phase focused on deepening awareness of the different forms of violence and strengthening access to safe redress mechanisms through convergence with stakeholders, including State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), DAY-NRLM community institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and 14 Line Ministries. IWWAGE, in collaboration with LEAD at Krea University, conducted a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of the Nayi Chetna 2.0 campaign. The study aimed to evaluate the campaign’s reach, relevance, and effectiveness, particularly in raising awareness of GBV, enhancing reporting mechanisms, and improving institutional support. The assessment employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and focus group discussions across ten states, alongside quantitative data collection through an online platform. Key findings revealed the strength of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as central to the campaign’s impact. However, engaging men and adolescents in future iterations is crucial for broader societal change. Additionally, active involvement of PRI functionaries in grassroots dialogues on gender discrimination emerged as a successful strategy. The assessment also highlighted the importance of fostering cross-departmental convergence to improve GBV reporting, and recommended further budget allocations, access to localised training materials, and greater use of media platforms to amplify the campaign’s reach and engagement.
Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in 2022, Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki is a national gender campaign under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The campaign aims to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across various life stages of women and girls, promote reporting, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders for safe redress mechanisms. The first edition of the campaign was introduced on November 25, 2022, with the theme of equity and ending GBV. Building on its inaugural success, the second edition was launched on November 25, 2023. This phase focused on deepening awareness of the different forms of violence and strengthening access to safe redress mechanisms through convergence with stakeholders, including State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), DAY-NRLM community institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and 14 Line Ministries. IWWAGE, in collaboration with LEAD at Krea University, conducted a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of the Nayi Chetna 2.0 campaign. The study aimed to evaluate the campaign’s reach, relevance, and effectiveness, particularly in raising awareness of GBV, enhancing reporting mechanisms, and improving institutional support. The assessment employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and focus group discussions across ten states, alongside quantitative data collection through an online platform. Key findings revealed the strength of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as central to the campaign’s impact. However, engaging men and adolescents in future iterations is crucial for broader societal change. Additionally, active involvement of PRI functionaries in grassroots dialogues on gender discrimination emerged as a successful strategy. The assessment also highlighted the importance of fostering cross-departmental convergence to improve GBV reporting, and recommended further budget allocations, access to localised training materials, and greater use of media platforms to amplify the campaign’s reach and engagement.
Working Paper
Improving Women’s Employment Possibilities: A Sectoral Analysis
- September , 2024
- Sona Mitra | Bidisha Mondal
This research paper explores the intersection of sectoral growth and gendered employment in India, analysing how economic changes impact women’s participation in the workforce. Using time-series data from CPHS, CMIE CAPEX, PLFS, and NAS, the study forecasts employment trends across key sectors from 2024 to 2027, with a particular lens on sectors employing large numbers of women. It highlights an overall projected decline in women’s employment, especially in agriculture, education, ICT, and several manufacturing industries due to mechanisation and automation. However, it also identifies potential growth in sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, and selected manufacturing sub-sectors like footwear and detergents, driven by women’s increasing entrepreneurial presence in e-commerce. The paper calls for urgent upskilling and targeted investments in sectors with high potential to absorb women workers.
This research paper explores the intersection of sectoral growth and gendered employment in India, analysing how economic changes impact women’s participation in the workforce. Using time-series data from CPHS, CMIE CAPEX, PLFS, and NAS, the study forecasts employment trends across key sectors from 2024 to 2027, with a particular lens on sectors employing large numbers of women. It highlights an overall projected decline in women’s employment, especially in agriculture, education, ICT, and several manufacturing industries due to mechanisation and automation. However, it also identifies potential growth in sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, and selected manufacturing sub-sectors like footwear and detergents, driven by women’s increasing entrepreneurial presence in e-commerce. The paper calls for urgent upskilling and targeted investments in sectors with high potential to absorb women workers.
Report
Financing Quality Childcare Facilities in India by IWWAGE and Mobile Creches
- September , 2024
- Divya Singh, Sruthi Kutty, Suchika Gupta
The increasing nuclearisation of families in urban and peri-urban areas is driving demand for quality childcare, especially for working women.This study explores the current landscape of childcare services in India, focusing on government and non-governmental efforts to improve access and support women’s economic empowerment.
The increasing nuclearisation of families in urban and peri-urban areas is driving demand for quality childcare, especially for working women.This study explores the current landscape of childcare services in India, focusing on government and non-governmental efforts to improve access and support women’s economic empowerment.
Learning note
Capturing Women’s Work To Measure Better
- August , 2024
- Sona Mitra | Bidisha Mondal | Prakriti Sharma
Women’s work is often more diverse and complex due to the significant amount of unpaid labour they perform, including domestic chores and caregiving responsibilities. Conventional labour force surveys tend to overlook these contributions, leading to an undercounting of women’s work and their exclusion from policy discussions. As a result, women are often not recognised as ‘workers,’ keeping them invisible in statistical estimates. IWWAGE seeks to address this gap by developing better mechanisms for collecting data on women’s work. Through innovative probing techniques and sampling frames, our research aims to capture a more accurate picture of women’s labour force participation. Additionally, we propose a framework for women-centric surveys that can be aligned with national Labour Force Surveys (LFS) to provide more accurate estimates. Our study also highlights the bias that occurs when respondents other than women themselves report on their work, further underestimating women’s contributions to the economy. By engendering labour force surveys, IWWAGE hopes to bring greater visibility to women’s work and ensure their inclusion in policy discussions that drive economic empowerment.
Women’s work is often more diverse and complex due to the significant amount of unpaid labour they perform, including domestic chores and caregiving responsibilities. Conventional labour force surveys tend to overlook these contributions, leading to an undercounting of women’s work and their exclusion from policy discussions. As a result, women are often not recognised as ‘workers,’ keeping them invisible in statistical estimates. IWWAGE seeks to address this gap by developing better mechanisms for collecting data on women’s work. Through innovative probing techniques and sampling frames, our research aims to capture a more accurate picture of women’s labour force participation. Additionally, we propose a framework for women-centric surveys that can be aligned with national Labour Force Surveys (LFS) to provide more accurate estimates. Our study also highlights the bias that occurs when respondents other than women themselves report on their work, further underestimating women’s contributions to the economy. By engendering labour force surveys, IWWAGE hopes to bring greater visibility to women’s work and ensure their inclusion in policy discussions that drive economic empowerment.
Report
IWWAGE Women And Work Trends Report 2023
- July , 2024
- Devika Oberai | Suhani Pandey | Manas Pathak
In 2023, India emerged as the fastest-growing major economy globally, driven by robust employment generation, productivity gains, and sustained economic growth. Alongside this remarkable economic performance, the year brought women-led development and Nari Shakti into focus, reaffirming India’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development. However, despite these advancements, the issue of female labour force participation remains critical. India has long struggled with lower female labour force participation compared to global standards, with socio-economic and cultural factors limiting the full utilisation of women’s potential. Yet, recent trends offer promising signs of progress. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-2023), female participation in the labour force for those aged 15 and above rose to 37%, with rural areas seeing an increase from 36.6% to 41.5%, and urban areas from 23.8% to 25.4%. More women are engaging in family-owned or self-employed work, including agriculture, contributing positively to this shift. Additionally, 2023 witnessed significant strides towards women-led development, with a renewed push for women’s representation in Parliament and proactive policy discussions during India’s G-20 presidency. However, the journey towards true gender equality remains ongoing. Women continue to be under-represented in key sectors, particularly in science and technology, with workplaces reflecting broader economic and social inequalities. India’s G-20 presidency adopted a gender-focused approach, aiming to reposition women not just as beneficiaries but as economic agents driving development. By embracing women-led development, India sought to shift the narrative and demonstrate the transformative potential of women in spearheading key sectors and promoting inclusive growth. This report contextualises women’s participation in various fields within the broader political and economic landscape of 2023. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that emerged during the year and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential growth areas in 2024, recognising women as a formidable force in driving progress and prosperity.
In 2023, India emerged as the fastest-growing major economy globally, driven by robust employment generation, productivity gains, and sustained economic growth. Alongside this remarkable economic performance, the year brought women-led development and Nari Shakti into focus, reaffirming India’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development. However, despite these advancements, the issue of female labour force participation remains critical. India has long struggled with lower female labour force participation compared to global standards, with socio-economic and cultural factors limiting the full utilisation of women’s potential. Yet, recent trends offer promising signs of progress. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-2023), female participation in the labour force for those aged 15 and above rose to 37%, with rural areas seeing an increase from 36.6% to 41.5%, and urban areas from 23.8% to 25.4%. More women are engaging in family-owned or self-employed work, including agriculture, contributing positively to this shift. Additionally, 2023 witnessed significant strides towards women-led development, with a renewed push for women’s representation in Parliament and proactive policy discussions during India’s G-20 presidency. However, the journey towards true gender equality remains ongoing. Women continue to be under-represented in key sectors, particularly in science and technology, with workplaces reflecting broader economic and social inequalities. India’s G-20 presidency adopted a gender-focused approach, aiming to reposition women not just as beneficiaries but as economic agents driving development. By embracing women-led development, India sought to shift the narrative and demonstrate the transformative potential of women in spearheading key sectors and promoting inclusive growth. This report contextualises women’s participation in various fields within the broader political and economic landscape of 2023. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that emerged during the year and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential growth areas in 2024, recognising women as a formidable force in driving progress and prosperity.
Newsletter (Gender In Focus)
Gender in Focus- Hindi
- July , 2024
- IWWAGE
This edition of “Gender in Focus” explores key topics such as gender-based violence, empowering women in STEM and the care sector’s emerging priorities. It also feature updates from our networks and coalitions. Each article reflects our collective effort to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more equitable society.
This edition of “Gender in Focus” explores key topics such as gender-based violence, empowering women in STEM and the care sector’s emerging priorities. It also feature updates from our networks and coalitions. Each article reflects our collective effort to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more equitable society.
Newsletter (Gender In Focus)
Gender in Focus
- July , 2024
- IWWAGE
This edition of “Gender in Focus” explores key topics such as gender-based violence, empowering women in STEM and the care sector’s emerging priorities. It also feature updates from our networks and coalitions. Each article reflects our collective effort to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more equitable society.
This edition of “Gender in Focus” explores key topics such as gender-based violence, empowering women in STEM and the care sector’s emerging priorities. It also feature updates from our networks and coalitions. Each article reflects our collective effort to drive meaningful change and inspire action towards a more equitable society.
Report
IWWAGE Trends Report 2023
- July , 2024
- Devika Oberai, Suhani Pandey
This report contextualises women’s participation in various fields within the broader political and economic landscape of 2023. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that emerged during the year and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential growth areas in 2024, recognising women as a formidable force in driving progress and prosperity.
This report contextualises women’s participation in various fields within the broader political and economic landscape of 2023. It highlights the challenges and opportunities that emerged during the year and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential growth areas in 2024, recognising women as a formidable force in driving progress and prosperity.
Learning note
Digitization and its Effects on Female Labour Force Participation in India
- May , 2024
- Kuhuo Bajaj
India has witnessed a manifold increase in awareness and accessibility of job opportunities thanks to an increase in digitisation in all sectors. Technology has created new jobs and has made old jobs more accessible and convenient. Remote work opportunities, online training modules, and networking have become easier due to the internet, but its benefits are skewed. This paper explores the impact of increasing digitisation on female labour force participation (FLFP). Digitalisation is associated with improving gender outcomes, alongside various socio-economic factors. Research highlights how increasing the use of digital finance, improved digital infrastructure and digital awareness has a strong positive and significant correlation with FLFP. The paper investigates opportunities provided by digitalisation for enhancing women’s economic contribution and empowerment in both rural and urban settings.
India has witnessed a manifold increase in awareness and accessibility of job opportunities thanks to an increase in digitisation in all sectors. Technology has created new jobs and has made old jobs more accessible and convenient. Remote work opportunities, online training modules, and networking have become easier due to the internet, but its benefits are skewed. This paper explores the impact of increasing digitisation on female labour force participation (FLFP). Digitalisation is associated with improving gender outcomes, alongside various socio-economic factors. Research highlights how increasing the use of digital finance, improved digital infrastructure and digital awareness has a strong positive and significant correlation with FLFP. The paper investigates opportunities provided by digitalisation for enhancing women’s economic contribution and empowerment in both rural and urban settings.
Report
Barriers & Opportunities For Aspirational Women Entrepreneurs
- April , 2024
- Neelanjana Gupta | Preethi Rao
This study, conducted in partnership with the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and the Government of NCT of Delhi, assesses the enterprise readiness of women across five Anganwadi Hubs (AWHs) in the city under the Saheli Samanvay Kendra (SSK) Scheme. Drawing from both quantitative and qualitative data, it explores the demographic profile, motivations, aspirations, and challenges of women’s particularly housewives, unemployed individuals, and informal worker’s seeking to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The findings highlight the critical need for targeted support, especially around access to finance, confidence building, and balancing domestic responsibilities with business pursuits. The study also captures a strong appetite for skill development, with women expressing interest in both technical and soft skills training, particularly if offered at familiar, community-based locations like Anganwadi Centres. These insights directly inform the design of training programmes and the structure of a dedicated fellowship module under the SSK Scheme, which aims to mobilise and mentor women entrepreneurs. The report offers practical recommendations for policymakers and training institutions, underscoring the potential of structured, accessible interventions to advance women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
This study, conducted in partnership with the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU) and the Government of NCT of Delhi, assesses the enterprise readiness of women across five Anganwadi Hubs (AWHs) in the city under the Saheli Samanvay Kendra (SSK) Scheme. Drawing from both quantitative and qualitative data, it explores the demographic profile, motivations, aspirations, and challenges of women’s particularly housewives, unemployed individuals, and informal worker’s seeking to engage in entrepreneurial activities. The findings highlight the critical need for targeted support, especially around access to finance, confidence building, and balancing domestic responsibilities with business pursuits. The study also captures a strong appetite for skill development, with women expressing interest in both technical and soft skills training, particularly if offered at familiar, community-based locations like Anganwadi Centres. These insights directly inform the design of training programmes and the structure of a dedicated fellowship module under the SSK Scheme, which aims to mobilise and mentor women entrepreneurs. The report offers practical recommendations for policymakers and training institutions, underscoring the potential of structured, accessible interventions to advance women’s economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
Report
The Changing World of Women’s Work
- April , 2025
- Bidisha Mondal, Prakriti Sharma, Aneek Chowdhury, Anjali S
This study examines women’s participation in India’s platform economy using a mixed-methods approach, combining a survey of 598 platform workers (440 women) across care, domestic, beauty, ride-sharing, and delivery services with qualitative interviews. While platform work offers new entry points and flexibility, it often mirrors and deepens the precarity of informal work, limiting its potential for women’s empowerment. Persistent challenges include income instability, high entry and platform costs, limited social protection, unsafe conditions, and reinforced gender inequalities. Meaningful progress requires coordinated action by policymakers, platforms, and worker collectives to ensure fair earnings, social security, gender-sensitive systems, and effective grievance redressal
This study examines women’s participation in India’s platform economy using a mixed-methods approach, combining a survey of 598 platform workers (440 women) across care, domestic, beauty, ride-sharing, and delivery services with qualitative interviews. While platform work offers new entry points and flexibility, it often mirrors and deepens the precarity of informal work, limiting its potential for women’s empowerment. Persistent challenges include income instability, high entry and platform costs, limited social protection, unsafe conditions, and reinforced gender inequalities. Meaningful progress requires coordinated action by policymakers, platforms, and worker collectives to ensure fair earnings, social security, gender-sensitive systems, and effective grievance redressal
Brief
Women’s Work and AI-Unlocking Potential, Bridging the Divide
- December , 2025
- Sharati Roy, Dr. Mahima Taneja
AI is not neutral in how it’s designed or deployed. It is reshaping labour markets, with the biggest gains when it complements human skills rather than replaces them (ILO, 2025). While AI can improve efficiency and decision-making in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, it also risks job losses and deeper inequalities. Outcomes will depend on whether AI drives automation or augmentation. In India—where Digital Public Infrastructure, data expansion, and the gig economy are growing rapidly—this brief explores women’s opportunities in AI/data value-chain work and AI-augmented livelihoods to support economic empowerment.
AI is not neutral in how it’s designed or deployed. It is reshaping labour markets, with the biggest gains when it complements human skills rather than replaces them (ILO, 2025). While AI can improve efficiency and decision-making in sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, it also risks job losses and deeper inequalities. Outcomes will depend on whether AI drives automation or augmentation. In India—where Digital Public Infrastructure, data expansion, and the gig economy are growing rapidly—this brief explores women’s opportunities in AI/data value-chain work and AI-augmented livelihoods to support economic empowerment.
Report
Women and Work: How India fared in 2024
- April , 2025
- Aishwarya Bhuta, Harshita Kumari, Sohinee Thakurta, and Teesta Shukla.
The year 2024 marked a key moment for women and work in India, shaped by economic shifts, policy action, and technological change. Since 2021–22, new challenges and opportunities have influenced women’s workforce participation, alongside renewed efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment. Building on the vision of women-led development highlighted during India’s 2023 G20 presidency, momentum continued across multiple initiatives. This report examines key trends, policy developments, and emerging challenges shaping women’s work in 2024. Drawing on secondary data and research from IWWAGE and LEAD, it maps the evolving landscape of women’s work in India and identifies pathways to greater inclusion and economic agency.
The year 2024 marked a key moment for women and work in India, shaped by economic shifts, policy action, and technological change. Since 2021–22, new challenges and opportunities have influenced women’s workforce participation, alongside renewed efforts to advance women’s economic empowerment. Building on the vision of women-led development highlighted during India’s 2023 G20 presidency, momentum continued across multiple initiatives. This report examines key trends, policy developments, and emerging challenges shaping women’s work in 2024. Drawing on secondary data and research from IWWAGE and LEAD, it maps the evolving landscape of women’s work in India and identifies pathways to greater inclusion and economic agency.
Brief
Impact of Social Norms on Women’s Economic Empowerment in India
- November , 2025
- Mridusmita Bordoloi, Surabhi Awasthi, Sharati Roy
Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) refers to women’s access to economic opportunities, resources, decent work, and the ability to make independent economic choices. It is both a process and an outcome that strengthens individual agency and supports inclusive growth. In countries like India, WEE is constrained not only by structural gaps—such as inadequate care infrastructure, poor connectivity, and limited skills access—but also by deeply rooted gender norms that shape women’s roles in society.
Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) refers to women’s access to economic opportunities, resources, decent work, and the ability to make independent economic choices. It is both a process and an outcome that strengthens individual agency and supports inclusive growth. In countries like India, WEE is constrained not only by structural gaps—such as inadequate care infrastructure, poor connectivity, and limited skills access—but also by deeply rooted gender norms that shape women’s roles in society.
Report
Exploring linkages between womens empowerment workforce participation and population dynamics in the Indian context: A comprehensive macro micro analysis
- November , 2025
Gender equality and reproductive autonomy are central to India’s ability to navigate ongoing demographic transitions effectively. The study, a collaboration between the Population Foundation of India and the Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE), presents new evidence on these critical interconnections. By integrating macro-level demographic and human development data with micro-level insights from women’s lived experiences, the study offers one of the most comprehensive analyses of its kind in India, bridging quantitative data with qualitative narratives to illuminate how women’s empowerment shapes the country’s demographic and developmental trajectory.
Gender equality and reproductive autonomy are central to India’s ability to navigate ongoing demographic transitions effectively. The study, a collaboration between the Population Foundation of India and the Institute for What Works to Advance Gender Equality (IWWAGE), presents new evidence on these critical interconnections. By integrating macro-level demographic and human development data with micro-level insights from women’s lived experiences, the study offers one of the most comprehensive analyses of its kind in India, bridging quantitative data with qualitative narratives to illuminate how women’s empowerment shapes the country’s demographic and developmental trajectory.
Factsheet
Trends in Female Labour Force Participation in West Bengal
- October , 2025
- Vidhi and Bidhisha Mondal
West Bengal has seen strong economic growth driven by manufacturing, MSMEs and investment, with GSDP projected to grow 12 per cent in 2025–26. However, per capita income remains below the national average. The state has lost around 3 million informal jobs in recent years, disproportionately affecting women, while high outmigration, especially of skilled workers, continues to reshape the labour market. Women remain concentrated in low-productivity informal sectors such as agriculture and domestic work, resulting in low female labour force participation and underscoring the need for targeted employment policies.
West Bengal has seen strong economic growth driven by manufacturing, MSMEs and investment, with GSDP projected to grow 12 per cent in 2025–26. However, per capita income remains below the national average. The state has lost around 3 million informal jobs in recent years, disproportionately affecting women, while high outmigration, especially of skilled workers, continues to reshape the labour market. Women remain concentrated in low-productivity informal sectors such as agriculture and domestic work, resulting in low female labour force participation and underscoring the need for targeted employment policies.
West Bengal has seen strong economic growth driven by manufacturing, MSMEs and investment, with GSDP projected to grow 12 per cent in 2025–26. However, per capita income remains below the national average. The state has lost around 3 million informal jobs in recent years, disproportionately affecting women, while high outmigration, especially of skilled workers, continues to reshape the labour market. Women remain concentrated in low-productivity informal sectors such as agriculture and domestic work, resulting in low female labour force participation and underscoring the need for targeted employment policies.