Publications
Publications
Category
Year
Newsletter (Gender In Focus)
Gender in Focus- Hindi
- January , 2025
- IWWAGE
This issue offers a preview of IWWAGE’s work during the pandemic—field voices from discussions with civil society partners in four states, reflections on how physical distancing may affect SHG functioning, and analysis on how recovery strategies must account for women’s employment and labour participation. It also captures highlights from webinars, and introduces a new series of policy notes with timely recommendations to support a more resilient and gender-responsive post-COVID world.
This issue offers a preview of IWWAGE’s work during the pandemic—field voices from discussions with civil society partners in four states, reflections on how physical distancing may affect SHG functioning, and analysis on how recovery strategies must account for women’s employment and labour participation. It also captures highlights from webinars, and introduces a new series of policy notes with timely recommendations to support a more resilient and gender-responsive post-COVID world.
Report
Capturing Women’s Work to Measure Better
- September , 2024
- Sona Mitra | Prakriti Sharma | Aneek Choudhary
Women’s work is often underestimated in labour force surveys due to its complex nature, which includes economic, non-economic, and unpaid work such as domestic tasks and caregiving. Additionally, biases in respondents and enumerators, along with survey designs lacking gender sensitivity, contribute to data gaps and the undercounting of women’s contributions, keeping them invisible in statistics and policy discussions. Research highlights how oversimplified methodologies in mainstream surveys lead to the misclassification of economically active women as inactive. This study aims to address these gaps by testing innovative survey techniques that provide more accurate estimates of women’s participation in the workforce. It also examines perception bias in proxy-reporting. The study was conducted in Karnataka and Jharkhand, surveying 4,000 women and 800 men. Findings show that these innovations were effective in capturing more women in employment compared to conventional surveys, offering deeper insights into their time-use patterns and highlighting the impact of perception bias in proxy reporting.
Women’s work is often underestimated in labour force surveys due to its complex nature, which includes economic, non-economic, and unpaid work such as domestic tasks and caregiving. Additionally, biases in respondents and enumerators, along with survey designs lacking gender sensitivity, contribute to data gaps and the undercounting of women’s contributions, keeping them invisible in statistics and policy discussions. Research highlights how oversimplified methodologies in mainstream surveys lead to the misclassification of economically active women as inactive. This study aims to address these gaps by testing innovative survey techniques that provide more accurate estimates of women’s participation in the workforce. It also examines perception bias in proxy-reporting. The study was conducted in Karnataka and Jharkhand, surveying 4,000 women and 800 men. Findings show that these innovations were effective in capturing more women in employment compared to conventional surveys, offering deeper insights into their time-use patterns and highlighting the impact of perception bias in proxy reporting.
Learning note
Trend In Female Labour Force Participation In India
- December , 2024
- Aneek Choudhary , Bidisha Mondal
Despite significant economic growth since the 1990s, India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) remains low at 28.2%, lagging behind countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.This factsheet explores these barriers and their impact on women’s workforce participation in India.
Despite significant economic growth since the 1990s, India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) remains low at 28.2%, lagging behind countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.This factsheet explores these barriers and their impact on women’s workforce participation in India.
Report
Exploring Strategies, Processes, and Utility of the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) During COVID-19
- December , 2024
- Surabhi Awasthi | Sharmishtha Nanda | Arpita Paul
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a Government of India scheme aimed at reducing poverty by empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). These platforms provide access to rights, financial services, and livelihood opportunities, promoting collective action and leadership among women. To address vulnerability, the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) was introduced in 2016 as part of DAY-NRLM’s social inclusion strategy. The VRF focuses on reducing risk and supporting vulnerable communities, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, IWWAGE conducted a study in Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura to assess the implementation and impact of the VRF during COVID-19. The research involved interviews with beneficiaries and officials and focused on the allocation, disbursement, and effectiveness of the fund in reaching vulnerable households. The study highlights the VRF’s role in building resilience and aiding marginalised communities.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a Government of India scheme aimed at reducing poverty by empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). These platforms provide access to rights, financial services, and livelihood opportunities, promoting collective action and leadership among women. To address vulnerability, the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) was introduced in 2016 as part of DAY-NRLM’s social inclusion strategy. The VRF focuses on reducing risk and supporting vulnerable communities, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, IWWAGE conducted a study in Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura to assess the implementation and impact of the VRF during COVID-19. The research involved interviews with beneficiaries and officials and focused on the allocation, disbursement, and effectiveness of the fund in reaching vulnerable households. The study highlights the VRF’s role in building resilience and aiding marginalised communities.
Learning note
Climate Change and the Future of Women’s Work
- December , 2024
- Sayak Sinha | Divya Singh | Devika Oberai
Climate change is a pressing global challenge that exacerbates existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and marginalised communities. Due to persistent gender inequalities, women face unique challenges in adapting to climate-induced disasters, often lacking access to resources, financial services, and decision-making platforms needed to rebuild livelihoods. As a result, they are often slower to recover compared to men. International frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Lima Work Program on Gender, stress the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. However, there is a lack of sex-disaggregated data to fully understand the impact of climate change on women’s workforce participation. This highlights the urgent need for research on how climate change affects women’s livelihoods and the importance of advocating for policies that protect their participation in existing sectors while empowering them to enter emerging industries. By addressing these gendered impacts, we can create more equitable and sustainable solutions to climate change, ensuring that women play a key role in building climate-resilient communities.
Climate change is a pressing global challenge that exacerbates existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and marginalised communities. Due to persistent gender inequalities, women face unique challenges in adapting to climate-induced disasters, often lacking access to resources, financial services, and decision-making platforms needed to rebuild livelihoods. As a result, they are often slower to recover compared to men. International frameworks, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Lima Work Program on Gender, stress the importance of integrating gender perspectives into climate policies. However, there is a lack of sex-disaggregated data to fully understand the impact of climate change on women’s workforce participation. This highlights the urgent need for research on how climate change affects women’s livelihoods and the importance of advocating for policies that protect their participation in existing sectors while empowering them to enter emerging industries. By addressing these gendered impacts, we can create more equitable and sustainable solutions to climate change, ensuring that women play a key role in building climate-resilient communities.
Report Snapshot
Exploring Strategies, Processes, and Utility of the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) During COVID-19
- December , 2024
- Surabhi Awasthi, Sharmishtha Nanda, Arpita Paul
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a Government of India scheme aimed at reducing poverty by empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). These platforms provide access to rights, financial services, and livelihood opportunities, promoting collective action and leadership among women. To address vulnerability, the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) was introduced in 2016 as part of DAY-NRLM’s social inclusion strategy. The VRF focuses on reducing risk and supporting vulnerable communities, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, IWWAGE conducted a study in Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura to assess the implementation and impact of the VRF during COVID-19. The research involved interviews with beneficiaries and officials and focused on the allocation, disbursement, and effectiveness of the fund in reaching vulnerable households. The study highlights the VRF’s role in building resilience and aiding marginalised communities.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a Government of India scheme aimed at reducing poverty by empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organisations (VOs), and Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). These platforms provide access to rights, financial services, and livelihood opportunities, promoting collective action and leadership among women. To address vulnerability, the Vulnerability Reduction Fund (VRF) was introduced in 2016 as part of DAY-NRLM’s social inclusion strategy. The VRF focuses on reducing risk and supporting vulnerable communities, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, IWWAGE conducted a study in Jharkhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Tripura to assess the implementation and impact of the VRF during COVID-19. The research involved interviews with beneficiaries and officials and focused on the allocation, disbursement, and effectiveness of the fund in reaching vulnerable households. The study highlights the VRF’s role in building resilience and aiding marginalised communities.
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.
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 Bidisha 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.
Working Paper
Working or Not: What Determines Women’s Labour Force Participation in India?
- May , 2021
- Ruchika Chaudhary
This paper delves into the persistent gender gaps in India’s labour market, highlighting the alarming decline in women’s labour force participation despite socio-economic progress. Using data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), it examines the key factors contributing to this trend, including the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The paper underscores the need for targeted policies, such as vocational training and gender-responsive initiatives, to empower women and break down barriers to their economic participation.
This paper delves into the persistent gender gaps in India’s labour market, highlighting the alarming decline in women’s labour force participation despite socio-economic progress. Using data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), it examines the key factors contributing to this trend, including the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The paper underscores the need for targeted policies, such as vocational training and gender-responsive initiatives, to empower women and break down barriers to their economic participation.
This paper delves into the persistent gender gaps in India’s labour market, highlighting the alarming decline in women’s labour force participation despite socio-economic progress. Using data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), it examines the key factors contributing to this trend, including the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. The paper underscores the need for targeted policies, such as vocational training and gender-responsive initiatives, to empower women and break down barriers to their economic participation.
Brief
A Crisis in Care India’s Ageing Population and the Need for Strengthened Eldercare – Hindi
- September , 2025
The global population is ageing, presenting complex challenges and new opportunities.The policy brief draws on insights from a roundtable discussion that brought together sectoral experts, practitioners, and academics, along with secondary research.The discussion served as a platform to examine the current state of eldercare in India, identify critical gaps, and explore actionable solutions to increase women’s participation in the formal eldercare workforce.
The global population is ageing, presenting complex challenges and new opportunities.The policy brief draws on insights from a roundtable discussion that brought together sectoral experts, practitioners, and academics, along with secondary research.The discussion served as a platform to examine the current state of eldercare in India, identify critical gaps, and explore actionable solutions to increase women’s participation in the formal eldercare workforce.