Over 89 Million Women Excluded from Labor Market in 2023-24

Despite a 10% increase in urban women's employment over the last six years, more than 89 million women were estimated to have remained out of the labor market in 2023-24. Among them, over 19 million have graduate-level education. A white paper from the Great Lakes Institute of Management in Chennai highlights that, despite improvements in women's enrollment in higher education, social constraints such as childcare, commute, and personal choice significantly affect their participation.

Vidya Mahambare, the institute's director of research, pointed out that beyond household and care work, residence relocations after marriage and limited access to faster and more convenient commuting options are some of the unseen barriers to women's employment in urban areas. She emphasized the need for creating affordable childcare infrastructure that truly works, suggesting that childcare vouchers and facilities near schools could significantly aid women's participation in the workforce.

Addressing the Gender Employment Gap

The report also sheds light on the need for accelerating quality job creation to improve women's employment, especially in the context of young male unemployment outpacing women's. Mahambare warned of a potential diversity backlash if job creation does not accelerate alongside efforts to raise female employment amidst male joblessness.

To combat these challenges, the report recommends corporate initiatives aimed at supporting women's professional development, establishing fair recruitment practices, and addressing recruiters' perceptions of career breaks for women. These steps are crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable labor market.