Empower Women To Unlock India’s Economic Potential

"Achieving a 70% female workforce participation by 2047 is pivotal for a Viksit Bharat, unlocking immense economic potential and fostering growth": Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment

Increasing female workforce participation in India is crucial for economic growth and social development. Women represent half of the population, and their active involvement in the labor market can significantly boost productivity and innovation. Higher female participation can help address skill shortages and foster diverse perspectives in workplaces, leading to better decision-making.

Additionally, empowering women economically reduces gender inequality, promotes financial independence, and improves household welfare, including better health and education for children. It also contributes to higher national income and sustainable development goals. Despite progress, cultural barriers, safety concerns, and limited access to education restrict women's participation. Addressing these issues through policy reforms, skill development programs, and creating a supportive work environment can unlock women's potential. Ultimately, increasing female workforce participation benefits not only women but also strengthens India's economy and social fabric, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

The recent CII Dialogue on ‘Women in Services Sector: Excellence Naturally’ in New Delhi celebrated, inspired and strengthened the voices of women leaders across diverse services sector. A kick start event to the international women day celebration.

Speaking at the event, Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment highlighted the significant strides made by women in India's economic landscape. She noted that over the past six years, the labour force participation rate for women has risen from 23% in 2017-18 to approximately 42% in 2023-24. This uptick is evident across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and services, with a notable increase in educated women joining the workforce.

She acknowledged ongoing challenges such as workplace biases, wage disparities, limited leadership opportunities, job security concerns and the balancing act between professional and domestic responsibilities. Dawra emphasized the importance of mentorship programs to prepare women for leadership roles and the need to create safe, inclusive workplaces. She underscored the potential of sectors like STEM, entrepreneurship and startups for women's further involvement. She reiterated the government's commitment to achieving the goal set in the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming for 70% of women to be engaged in economic activities by 2047, aligning with the vision of a developed India.

Maharani Shailja Katoch, Royal family of Kangra- Lambagraon, Himachal Pradesh emphasized the importance of women in society, calling them the backbone of change, nurturing communities while balancing multiple responsibilities. On education, she expressed confidence in India's progressive policies, stating that women with determination can achieve success. She cited examples of girls from Himachal Pradesh excelling in diverse fields, including civil services and corporate roles. Regarding cultural preservation in the digital age, she stressed the need to make heritage appealing to younger generations by integrating modern elements like audiovisual storytelling, social media and contemporary product adaptations. She believes cultural traditions must evolve with the times to remain relevant and engaging.

Tarana Sawhney, Advisor, CII Task Force on Art & Culture emphasized the pivotal role of women in shaping India's cultural landscape. She highlighted that historically, women have been the unseen architects of our cultural fabric—storytellers, artisans, performers, designers and curators—whose contributions are now gaining rightful recognition. Notable figures such as Amrita Sher-Gil, whose works continue to achieve record sales, and contemporary artists like Mrinalini Mukherjee, Zarina Hashmi, and Nalini Malani have made significant international impacts, with exhibitions at prestigious venues including the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Gallery in London. Within the commercial sphere, women lead top contemporary art galleries in India, actively participate in global institutions and mentor emerging artists. Despite these advancements, challenges such as unequal pay, limited institutional support and sociocultural biases persist. She advocated for equipping women with technological tools and resources to further their artistic and entrepreneurial endeavours, envisioning a future where gender is an afterthought and equal opportunity is a reality.

Rina Dhaka, Indian Fashion Designer emphasised the pivotal role women play in the fashion industry, contributing significantly across design, production, retail and entrepreneurship. She highlighted that fashion transcends mere clothing, serving as a reflection of culture, identity and societal progress, with the power to challenge stereotypes and redefine norms. (CII)