Context:
The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) measures the share of women who are employed or actively seeking work. While India’s FLFPR fell from 31.2% in 2011-12 to 23.3% in 2017-18, it rose sharply to 41.7% in 2023-24, driven mainly by rural women.
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR)
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) is the proportion of women (aged 15 years and above) who are either employed (working) or actively seeking employment.
- It is a key indicator of gender equality, economic inclusion, and social progress.
Key Highlights:
| Dimension | Key Findings (2017-18 / 2018-19 vs 2023-24) |
|---|---|
| Earnings vs Participation | • Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) rose, but real earnings declined for most women (except casual workers). • Increased participation ≠ better-paid or secure jobs. |
| Sectoral Composition | • Share of rural women in agriculture increased: 71.1% (2018-19) → 76.9% (2023-24). • Decline in women’s employment in secondary (industry) and tertiary (services) sectors. |
| Shift from Domestic Duties | • Women reporting domestic duties fell: 57.8% (2017-18) → 35.7% (2023-24). • Helpers in household enterprises: 9.1% → 19.6%. • Own account workers/employers: 4.5% → 14.6%. • Indicates shift mainly to self-employment, not wage employment. |
| Vulnerabilities | • Helpers in household enterprises often unpaid/low-paid, blurring line between employment & domestic labour. • Even among self-employed women, real earnings declined, showing persistent income insecurity. |
