India’s Female Workforce Doubles in 6 Years | Historic Rise in Women’s Employment

India is undergoing a historic transformation in women’s workforce participation, with data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 highlighting a decisive shift. The female employment rate has nearly doubled— from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24 — while the female unemployment rate dropped from 5.6% to 3.2%.

This surge reflects the combined impact of government initiatives, women’s growing employability, and expanding access to formal sector jobs.

From Mudra Loans to Startups: How Government Schemes Empower Women at Work

The increase in women’s workforce participation is most dramatic in rural India, where employment rose by 96%, compared to a 43% rise in urban areas.

Key drivers include:

• Greater access to government welfare schemes.
• Higher employability of women graduates.
• Entry into formal sector employment.

As per EPFO payroll data, 1.56 crore women joined the formal workforce in the last seven years. Additionally, the e-Shram portal has registered 16.6 crore women workers, ensuring access to welfare benefits and social security.

From Women’s Development to Women-Led Development

The Government of India has shifted focus from women’s development to women-led development, placing women at the center of economic growth.

• The gender budget rose by 429% in the last decade — from ₹0.85 lakh crore in FY14 to ₹4.49 lakh crore in FY26.
• Women entrepreneurs are emerging as a strong force, with nearly half of DPIIT-registered startups featuring at least one woman director.
• Self-employment among women increased sharply, from 51.9% in 2017-18 to 67.4% in 2023-24.

Government Schemes Driving Women’s Empowerment

Several flagship government schemes are directly empowering women across India:

• PM Mudra Yojana → 68% of loans sanctioned to women.
• PM SVANidhi → 44% of beneficiaries are women street vendors.
• Namo Drone Didi & DAY-NRLM → Training women with new skills and entrepreneurial resources.

These programs are enabling women to participate more actively in India’s growth story.

Women-Led MSMEs and Startups on the Rise

The rise of women-led MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) has been a major driver of job creation.

• The number of women-led MSMEs has nearly doubled from 1 crore in 2010-11 to 1.92 crore in 2023-24.
• Between FY21 and FY23, they created over 89 lakh new jobs for women.

Job Creation through Women-Led Enterprises

Women-led enterprises are not only fostering innovation but also expanding opportunities for women at the grassroots, strengthening India’s employment landscape.

Women Leading India’s Economic Future

Experts emphasize that India is moving towards a model where women are leaders of economic progress, not just participants. Nearly two crore women have become “Lakhpati Didis”, symbolizing financial independence at the community level.

India’s 2047 Vision for Women Workforce Participation

The Modi Government has set an ambitious goal of achieving 70% women workforce participation by 2047, aligning with the Viksit Bharat agenda.

This vision places women at the heart of India’s economic destiny, from leading startups to driving rural enterprises.

Women Driving India’s Journey to Viksit Bharat

India’s rapid rise in female workforce participation marks more than just an economic milestone — it represents a societal transformation. With robust government support, expanding opportunities, and the unstoppable drive of women entrepreneurs and workers, India is shifting from development to women-led development.

As women continue to break barriers and lead change, their role in shaping India’s future has never been more pivotal.