Empowering Women for Economic Growth: Addressing Disparities in Workforce Contribution
Recent findings from the National Family Health Survey have shed light on the stark reality of women’s participation in India’s economy, revealing that despite comprising nearly half of the population, women contribute only 18% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This disparity underscores the urgent need for initiatives to bridge the gender gap in the workforce and unlock the potential for significant economic growth.
Understanding the Disparity: Despite constituting 53% of the employable population, women’s representation in the Indian workforce remains disproportionately low, hovering around 25%. This glaring imbalance underscores the multifaceted barriers hindering women from realizing their full economic potential. Studies suggest that expanding women’s participation in the workforce could lead to substantial economic gains, potentially amounting to a $770 billion boost for India by 2025. However, pervasive challenges impede women’s ability to access equal opportunities.
Barriers to Economic Empowerment: Gender pay disparities persist across sectors, with women earning significantly less than men on average. Globally, women earn only a third of total labor income and own less than 15% of agricultural land. Moreover, societal norms and cultural biases often limit women’s access to formal banking services, hindering their financial independence. A significant portion of women is relegated to the informal sector, facing precarious working conditions and limited social protections.
Addressing Root Causes: Closing the gender gap in workforce participation requires addressing systemic issues at their core. Educational disparities, societal inequities, and barriers to healthcare—including menstrual, maternity, and childcare services—are among the key challenges that must be tackled. Achieving gender pay equity within a reasonable timeframe necessitates proactive measures, as conventional approaches may prolong the process for over 50 years.
Empowering Women for Holistic Growth: Recognizing the interconnectedness of women’s empowerment with broader global challenges, leaders emphasize the imperative of prioritizing women’s economic inclusion and healthcare access. By championing initiatives to dismantle barriers and promote gender equality, societies can foster holistic economic growth and societal advancement.
The revelation of women’s underrepresentation in India’s GDP highlights the pressing need for concerted efforts to empower women economically. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering an environment conducive to gender equality, nations can unlock the full potential of their economies while advancing the well-being of their populations. Empowering women isn’t just a matter of equity; it’s a catalyst for comprehensive societal progress.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The shethepeople
