This rapid assessment explores how hybrid work models are reshaping opportunities for women in India post-pandemic. It examines the benefits and challenges of hybrid work, with data from 400 working women across various sectors. Featuring a case study of a rural BPO in Uttarakhand, the study highlights the potential of hybrid work for women in both urban and rural areas, offering insights into its impact on productivity, autonomy, and work-life balance.
Publications
Publications
Category
Year
Brief
Emerging Priorities in the Care Sector: Opportunities for India’s G20 Presidency
- March , 2023
- Sona Mitra and Sruthi Kutty
Care work has emerged as a critical issue in shaping the women-led development agenda at the G20. This brief highlights priority concerns for India’s G20 presidency. Care work—both paid and unpaid—is essential to the functioning of economies and societies, yet it is disproportionately shouldered by women due to entrenched gender norms and the gendered division of labour. This unequal burden remains a major barrier to women’s participation in labour markets. Evidence shows that care responsibilities significantly limit women’s income-earning capacity and economic agency, with women globally spending two to ten times more time on unpaid care work than men.
Care work has emerged as a critical issue in shaping the women-led development agenda at the G20. This brief highlights priority concerns for India’s G20 presidency. Care work—both paid and unpaid—is essential to the functioning of economies and societies, yet it is disproportionately shouldered by women due to entrenched gender norms and the gendered division of labour. This unequal burden remains a major barrier to women’s participation in labour markets. Evidence shows that care responsibilities significantly limit women’s income-earning capacity and economic agency, with women globally spending two to ten times more time on unpaid care work than men.
Learning note
Gender Responsive Budgeting: Good Practices from Select States
- March , 2023
- Sona Mitra | Sruthi Kutty
Mainstreaming gender into development financing has gained global momentum, with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda reinforcing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in financial, economic, and social policies. In India, the journey towards Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) began with efforts in the Sixth Five Year Plan and was institutionalised at the central level in 2004-05. GRB aims to integrate gender considerations across development planning, programme formulation, and budgeting processes. India’s GRB mechanism functions through Gender Budget Cells and the Gender Budget Statement (GBS), covering 57 ministries as of 2022. While the framework provides an avenue for monitoring fund allocations and their impact on gender equality, significant gaps remain in its implementation. State governments, such as Odisha and Kerala, have shown greater success in embedding gender concerns into policy-making, with Odisha allocating over 40% of its budget towards gender priorities. However, at the national level, gender budgeting remains low, accounting for less than 5% of the Union Budget. This brief highlights the divrse approaches to GRB across states like Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, showcasing experiences, lessons learnt, and good practices in advancing gender equality through fiscal policy.
Mainstreaming gender into development financing has gained global momentum, with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda reinforcing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in financial, economic, and social policies. In India, the journey towards Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) began with efforts in the Sixth Five Year Plan and was institutionalised at the central level in 2004-05. GRB aims to integrate gender considerations across development planning, programme formulation, and budgeting processes. India’s GRB mechanism functions through Gender Budget Cells and the Gender Budget Statement (GBS), covering 57 ministries as of 2022. While the framework provides an avenue for monitoring fund allocations and their impact on gender equality, significant gaps remain in its implementation. State governments, such as Odisha and Kerala, have shown greater success in embedding gender concerns into policy-making, with Odisha allocating over 40% of its budget towards gender priorities. However, at the national level, gender budgeting remains low, accounting for less than 5% of the Union Budget. This brief highlights the divrse approaches to GRB across states like Odisha, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, showcasing experiences, lessons learnt, and good practices in advancing gender equality through fiscal policy.
Brief
Creating Flexible and Gender-responsive Workplaces
- March , 2023
- Shreya Ghosh | Suhani Pandey | Sonakshi Chaudhary
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a significant shift in the ‘future of work,’ with remote work rapidly becoming a global norm. In India, this shift was accompanied by a gendered impact-women faced higher job losses and slower recovery rates than men, particularly among the highly educated. Despite challenges such as lack of infrastructure and fear of career setbacks, there is a growing demand among women for flexible work arrangements. Studies show that 8 in 10 women in India now prefer greater workplace flexibility, underscoring the need for gender-responsive remote work policies. Recognising these trends, the Government of India, along with several state governments, has initiated efforts to create remote work ecosystems, including ‘Work Near Home’ centres and co-working spaces. These initiatives, especially in the services sector like IT/ITES-which employs over 4.7 million people with 35% female representation-offer a unique opportunity to boost women’s labour force participation. However, for such models to be inclusive and scalable, they must incorporate thoughtful design principles that address sector-specific challenges and prioritise women’s needs for safety, infrastructure, and digital access.
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a significant shift in the ‘future of work,’ with remote work rapidly becoming a global norm. In India, this shift was accompanied by a gendered impact-women faced higher job losses and slower recovery rates than men, particularly among the highly educated. Despite challenges such as lack of infrastructure and fear of career setbacks, there is a growing demand among women for flexible work arrangements. Studies show that 8 in 10 women in India now prefer greater workplace flexibility, underscoring the need for gender-responsive remote work policies. Recognising these trends, the Government of India, along with several state governments, has initiated efforts to create remote work ecosystems, including ‘Work Near Home’ centres and co-working spaces. These initiatives, especially in the services sector like IT/ITES-which employs over 4.7 million people with 35% female representation-offer a unique opportunity to boost women’s labour force participation. However, for such models to be inclusive and scalable, they must incorporate thoughtful design principles that address sector-specific challenges and prioritise women’s needs for safety, infrastructure, and digital access.
Report
Hybrid Models and Women’s Work in India, Emerging Insights
- March , 2023
- Sona Mitra, Aishwarya Joshi, Mahima Chaki
Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- March , 2023
- Trisha Chandra , Sona Mitra , Bidisha Mondal
Karnataka, the sixth largest state in India, covers an area of 191,791 square kilometres and has a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of INR 18.85 trillion. Known as India’s leading Information Technology hub, with Bengaluru as the tech capital, Karnataka also has a diverse economy with a strong agricultural base. While over 41% of the workforce depends on agriculture, the services sector contributes 66% to the state’s GSDP. Karnataka boasts one of the highest female labour force participation rates in India, with a Work Participation Rate (WPR) of 31.5% as per the 2021-22 PLFS. Women workers are primarily engaged in agriculture in rural areas and in manufacturing and services in urban regions. This factsheet provides an overview of Karnataka’s socio-economic landscape and workforce trends.
Karnataka, the sixth largest state in India, covers an area of 191,791 square kilometres and has a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of INR 18.85 trillion. Known as India’s leading Information Technology hub, with Bengaluru as the tech capital, Karnataka also has a diverse economy with a strong agricultural base. While over 41% of the workforce depends on agriculture, the services sector contributes 66% to the state’s GSDP. Karnataka boasts one of the highest female labour force participation rates in India, with a Work Participation Rate (WPR) of 31.5% as per the 2021-22 PLFS. Women workers are primarily engaged in agriculture in rural areas and in manufacturing and services in urban regions. This factsheet provides an overview of Karnataka’s socio-economic landscape and workforce trends.
Learning note
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- March , 2023
- Trisha Chandra , Sona Mitra , Bidisha Mondal
Formed in 2000, Jharkhand is rich in natural resources, covering nearly 80,000 square kilometers with 23,605 sq. km of forest land. The state contributes 40% of India’s total mineral resources, housing major industrial towns like Jamshedpur and Bokaro. While mining and industrial activities are significant, agriculture remains the mainstay for 50.4% of the population. Jharkhand’s female Work Participation Rate (WPR) was 35.2% in 2021-22, driven largely by the state’s tribal population. This factsheet explores Jharkhand’s economy, employment trends, and the role of women in its workforce.
Formed in 2000, Jharkhand is rich in natural resources, covering nearly 80,000 square kilometers with 23,605 sq. km of forest land. The state contributes 40% of India’s total mineral resources, housing major industrial towns like Jamshedpur and Bokaro. While mining and industrial activities are significant, agriculture remains the mainstay for 50.4% of the population. Jharkhand’s female Work Participation Rate (WPR) was 35.2% in 2021-22, driven largely by the state’s tribal population. This factsheet explores Jharkhand’s economy, employment trends, and the role of women in its workforce.
Report
Evidence Review of the Global Childcare Crisis
- March , 2023
- Kate Grantham , Leva Rouhani, Neelanjana Gupta
The COVID-19 pandemic reversed gains in women’s equality by intensifying unpaid care work and triggering a global childcare crisis. School and childcare closures sharply increased care demands, disproportionately affecting women—especially those in low-paid, informal, and vulnerable jobs—leading to job losses, income insecurity, and limited social protection. Despite its economic importance, childcare remains underfunded and unpaid care work undervalued. Expanding access to affordable, quality childcare is essential to support women’s employment, reduce poverty, create jobs, and enable an inclusive and sustainable post-COVID recovery.
The COVID-19 pandemic reversed gains in women’s equality by intensifying unpaid care work and triggering a global childcare crisis. School and childcare closures sharply increased care demands, disproportionately affecting women—especially those in low-paid, informal, and vulnerable jobs—leading to job losses, income insecurity, and limited social protection. Despite its economic importance, childcare remains underfunded and unpaid care work undervalued. Expanding access to affordable, quality childcare is essential to support women’s employment, reduce poverty, create jobs, and enable an inclusive and sustainable post-COVID recovery.
Factsheet
Women’s Workforce Participation in India: Statewise Trends
- March , 2023
- Trisha Chandra, Sona Mitra
This factsheet provides an overview of Jharkhand’s economy, known for its rich mineral resources and industrial hubs like Jamshedpur and Bokaro. While mining is key, agriculture supports over half the population. In 2021-22, the state’s female Work Participation Rate (WPR) stood at 35.2%, largely driven by its tribal communities. Explore Jharkhand’s employment trends and the role of women in its workforce.
The female Work Participation Rate (WPR) is high in Jharkhand due to its tribal population.The WPR for rural women has increased significantly over the past few years; however, the WPR of women from ST social groups has stagnated at very low levels.
The female Work Participation Rate (WPR) is high in Jharkhand due to its tribal population.The WPR for rural women has increased significantly over the past few years; however, the WPR of women from ST social groups has stagnated at very low levels.
Report
Gender Modules
- February , 2023
- Moumita Sarkar | Soya Thomas | Seema Bhaskaran
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a key initiative of the Government of India, led by the Ministry of Rural Development. It aims to collectivise women into institutions that empower them by addressing their needs and concerns, while ensuring their active participation in the development planning process. To advance gender equality, DAY-NRLM follows a two-pronged strategy: establishing functional institutional mechanisms that link communities to governance system and integrating gender-responsive approaches across all program areas. The goal is to foster an environment where women can actively participate in traditional and non-traditional livelihoods and overcome barriers in both public and private spheres. As part of this effort, DAY-NRLM has developed a comprehensive set of 17 training modules. These modules are designed to enhance understanding of key gender concepts and human behaviour, using experiential learning methods such as real-life stories, games, and participatory sessions. They will be used to train National Resource Persons, staff, and community cadres, with the aim of building a demand-driven system that recognises the intersectional challenges faced by women and girls. Developed in collaboration with IWWAGE, these modules cover a wide range of topics, including gender division of labour, asset ownership, and other core concepts, with additional content shaped by state-level needs and the gender operational strategy. This resource is instrumental in supporting DAY-NRLM’s mission to promote gender equality and ensure women’s visibility and empowerment in rural communities.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is a key initiative of the Government of India, led by the Ministry of Rural Development. It aims to collectivise women into institutions that empower them by addressing their needs and concerns, while ensuring their active participation in the development planning process. To advance gender equality, DAY-NRLM follows a two-pronged strategy: establishing functional institutional mechanisms that link communities to governance system and integrating gender-responsive approaches across all program areas. The goal is to foster an environment where women can actively participate in traditional and non-traditional livelihoods and overcome barriers in both public and private spheres. As part of this effort, DAY-NRLM has developed a comprehensive set of 17 training modules. These modules are designed to enhance understanding of key gender concepts and human behaviour, using experiential learning methods such as real-life stories, games, and participatory sessions. They will be used to train National Resource Persons, staff, and community cadres, with the aim of building a demand-driven system that recognises the intersectional challenges faced by women and girls. Developed in collaboration with IWWAGE, these modules cover a wide range of topics, including gender division of labour, asset ownership, and other core concepts, with additional content shaped by state-level needs and the gender operational strategy. This resource is instrumental in supporting DAY-NRLM’s mission to promote gender equality and ensure women’s visibility and empowerment in rural communities.
Report
Women and Work, How India Fared in 2022
- February , 2023
- IWWAGE , TQH
2022 presented a landscape of change as the world aimed for greater resilience, recovery and growth as things began to open up post the COVID-19 pandemic. Spurred by changes in the overall outlook on work, women’s participation in the workforce also reflected a shift, with remote and hybrid work emerging strongly in certain sectors, in continuation of trends set during the height of the pandemic. Similarly, even in work that cannot be performed remotely, there has been a deepening in positive trends. As lockdowns lifted, women persondays in certain employment schemes also climbed. Against this backdrop, India has assumed the G20 presidency for 2023, and the year provides the nation with the opportunity to not only proactively set the agenda for women-led development, but also plan for the next phase of growth. There is thus a need to provide a roadmap for enablers of women-led development, whether through participation in leadership, reflection in policy mandates, or even addressing barriers to work. From the macro-political economic scenario to the specific challenges faced by women, this report situates women’s work against the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in light of India’s G20 presidency. Threaded through with insights from IWWAGE and LEAD’s research on the subject, the report covers trends across available data sources on scheme performances, policy changes, and political announcements, mapping the contours of women’s work in India and looking ahead to 2023.
2022 presented a landscape of change as the world aimed for greater resilience, recovery and growth as things began to open up post the COVID-19 pandemic. Spurred by changes in the overall outlook on work, women’s participation in the workforce also reflected a shift, with remote and hybrid work emerging strongly in certain sectors, in continuation of trends set during the height of the pandemic. Similarly, even in work that cannot be performed remotely, there has been a deepening in positive trends. As lockdowns lifted, women persondays in certain employment schemes also climbed. Against this backdrop, India has assumed the G20 presidency for 2023, and the year provides the nation with the opportunity to not only proactively set the agenda for women-led development, but also plan for the next phase of growth. There is thus a need to provide a roadmap for enablers of women-led development, whether through participation in leadership, reflection in policy mandates, or even addressing barriers to work. From the macro-political economic scenario to the specific challenges faced by women, this report situates women’s work against the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in light of India’s G20 presidency. Threaded through with insights from IWWAGE and LEAD’s research on the subject, the report covers trends across available data sources on scheme performances, policy changes, and political announcements, mapping the contours of women’s work in India and looking ahead to 2023.
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.