India is witnessing a silent workforce revolution—more women than ever are joining the formal economy, with their share in the organised workforce climbing to 41.7% in 2023–24, a leap of over 18 percentage points from 2019–20.
The data, shared in Parliament by Minister of Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, reflects the outcome of a multi-year effort to make work environments more inclusive and sustainable for women. From providing extended maternity leave to launching women-focused skilling and financing schemes, the government’s multi-pronged push is yielding visible results.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has emerged as a key barometer. In the last financial year alone, 26.9 lakh new women subscribers were added to its rolls—a clear sign of formal job expansion for women.
Flagship missions such as Mission Shakti, Namo Drone Didi, Mudra loans, and PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana have helped thousands of women gain skills, access credit, and secure roles in sectors like agri-tech, logistics, and digital services.
Yet, challenges persist. While participation is up, experts note that only a fraction are salaried professionals, with a large number still engaged in self-employment or part-time roles. Safety concerns, unpaid care responsibilities, and limited access to leadership positions continue to hold many women back.
Even so, the surge in formal enrolments is a promising indicator of changing tides—signalling that India’s economic future could be more gender-balanced than its past.