Ministry of Labour and Employment (L&E) recently hosted the 7th meeting of the Task Force on “Improving Female Workforce Participation in India.”
The gathering, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in New Delhi, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing female participation in the workforce.
Led by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of L&E, the meeting underscored the critical role women play in driving economic growth and fostering workplace diversity across industries.
Recognizing the Imperative: Empowering Female Workforce
In her opening remarks, Secretary Sumita emphasized that promoting active and meaningful female workforce participation is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic and strategic imperative.
She urged the Task Force to adopt pragmatic approaches that both the government and private sector can implement to support women in joining and thriving in the workforce.
Additionally, Secretary Sumita called for industry associations to recognize companies that create conducive environments for women employees.
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Care Economy: A Promising Sector for Female Workforce
Among the notable discussions during the meeting, the Task Force identified the care economy as a sector with significant potential for increasing female workforce participation.
By focusing on caregiving roles, including healthcare, eldercare, and childcare, India can tap into an underutilized workforce segment.
The adoption of a sectoral approach to creating decent jobs for women was also deliberated upon, recognizing that targeted interventions can yield substantial results.
To drive awareness and encourage employers, the Task Force urged industry associations to organize a series of webinars and workshops.
These initiatives will address barriers faced by women in economic activity and provide practical solutions.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) presented a compendium of best practices by employers, highlighting successful strategies for enhancing female workforce participation.
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Strategies for Empowerment
During the meeting, the Task Force discussed several key strategies:
Enhancing Mobility and Public Transportation: Improved transportation infrastructure can significantly impact women’s ability to access employment opportunities. Safe and efficient public transportation systems are crucial.
Employability Enhancement: Skill development programs tailored to women, especially in emerging sectors, can enhance employability. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives should be accessible and relevant.
Communication Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can challenge stereotypes and promote the value of women’s work. These campaigns should emphasize the economic benefits of female workforce participation.
Support for Self-Employed Women and the Unorganized Sector: Providing social security and health benefits to self-employed women and those in the informal sector is essential. Financial inclusion and access to healthcare are critical components.
Sector-Specific Approaches: Recognizing that women work across diverse sectors—manufacturing, domestic work, e-commerce, services, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)—tailored strategies are necessary.
Towards Gender Equality
The strategies discussed during the meeting are expected to play a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges faced by women in the workforce.
By promoting gender equality, India can build a more vibrant, innovative, and equitable society.
The final report of the Task Force, expected within three months, will provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, employers, and civil society.
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