Women participation in workforce – UPSC GS1

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey reports released by the National Statistical Office, women’s participation in the workforce “fell to its lowest points since independence in the year 2017-18.

The most major decline was seen since 2004, from 29.4% to 17.5% in 2017-18

The decline has marginally increased to 18.6% in the year 2018-19.

NHRC would issue guidelines to the government to improve the participation of women in the workforce.

The expert group met to discuss the reasons for the low participation of women in the workforce.

Investments must be encouraged in the care economy while having a regulatory mechanism.

While there already exists a law against sexual harassment, much more needs to be done in terms of ensuring its implementation and providing better working conditions.

Gender sensitivity must be ensured at workplaces.

Equal sharing of household work will help in increasing the participation of women in the workforce.

It was suggested that an urban employment guarantee scheme be started along the lines of the MGNREGA with a reservation for women.

There is a need for skilling and encouraging women to take up unconventional jobs like drivers and electricians.