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
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.
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.