Low Female Labour Force Participation in Key Indian States: A Roadblock to Inclusive Growth
India’s economic trajectory in the last two decades has shown tremendous progress, with the nation positioning itself as a global economic powerhouse. However, this growth masks a critical and often under-discussed issue: the alarmingly low participation of women in the workforce, especially in certain states. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022–23, five states and union territories stand at the bottom in terms of Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR): Bihar (9.4%), Delhi (14.5%), Haryana (14.7%), Uttar Pradesh (17.2%), and Chandigarh (18.8%). These figures are well below the national average of 37%, pointing to a systemic problem that affects both economic output and social development.
Understanding FLFPR and Why It Matters
The Female Labour Force Participation Rate represents the proportion of women aged 15 years and above who are either employed or actively seeking employment. In a country where over 48% of the population is female, these statistics matter greatly. Excluding such a massive segment of the population from economic activity not only reinforces gender inequality but also curbs the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) potential.
Global studies suggest that India could increase its GDP by nearly 27% if women participated in the workforce at the same rate as men. That’s equivalent to $700 billion of unrealized economic output. In this light, the extremely low FLFPR in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh is not just a women’s issue—it’s a national economic issue.
State-wise Breakdown: Causes and Concerns
1. Bihar – 9.4%
Bihar ranks the lowest in female workforce participation. Cultural and religious conservatism, lack of industrialization, poor education among women, and deeply entrenched patriarchy are major factors. Women are often discouraged from working outside the home, and those who do work are primarily involved in unpaid agricultural labor or informal domestic work, neither of which count toward official employment metrics.
2. Delhi – 14.5%
As the national capital, Delhi is economically advanced, yet its FLFPR is alarmingly low. Urban women face barriers such as unsafe public spaces, rigid work environments, and high childcare costs. Ironically, economic prosperity in urban India often correlates with a decline in women’s participation, as rising male incomes sometimes reduce the perceived need for women to work. This pattern indicates that development without inclusivity is inadequate.
3. Haryana – 14.7%
Haryana has made significant progress in sports and education for women but still struggles with female employment. Traditional gender roles, honor-based social norms, and low female mobility are major barriers. Despite industrialization in cities like Gurugram, job opportunities for women remain limited and skewed toward men, particularly in manufacturing and construction.
4. Uttar Pradesh – 17.2%
With over 240 million people, UP is India’s most populous state. Yet it consistently ranks low in female participation. Patriarchy, illiteracy, low job availability, and safety concerns keep women confined to homes. Those who work often do so in agriculture or household industries without formal recognition. UP’s economic potential remains largely untapped due to the absence of women in mainstream employment.
5. Chandigarh – 18.8%
Despite being one of India’s most developed union territories, Chandigarh underperforms in gender inclusion. High levels of education among women haven’t translated into jobs. Reasons include over-reliance on government jobs, lack of private sector flexibility, and social pressures that prioritize domestic responsibilities over careers.
Impact on GDP and Growth
Countries with high female labor force participation—such as the Nordic nations or East Asian economies—have seen sustainable and inclusive growth. India, aiming for a $5 trillion economy, cannot afford to leave half of its potential workforce idle.
According to McKinsey Global Institute, India could boost its GDP by $700 billion by 2025 if female labor force participation matched male levels. These five states alone account for a large chunk of India’s population. If they simply met the national average of 37%, the economic impact would be transformative.
For example:
- UP would see millions of women contributing to the economy through formal and informal sectors.
- Bihar, a traditionally low-income state, could reduce its dependency on remittances from migrant workers if more women joined the workforce.
Moreover, GDP growth fueled by female inclusion tends to be more equitable. It reduces income inequality, diversifies industry skillsets, and leads to better long-term development indicators in health, education, and household welfare.
Gender Equality and Empowerment
Women’s economic participation is both a cause and effect of gender equality. When women work, they gain financial autonomy, increased decision-making power, and higher social standing. Conversely, when society invests in women’s employment—by making workplaces safer, encouraging education, and offering flexible hours—equality flourishes.
In low-performing states, women are often discouraged from seeking jobs due to:
- Social stigma (“good girls don’t work” mentality)
- Lack of transportation and safe infrastructure
- Unpaid care responsibilities
- Early marriage and childbearing
Addressing these issues requires multi-pronged reforms, such as:
- Expanding job-oriented vocational training programs for girls
- Providing incentives to employers who hire women
- Creating safe public transport systems
- Promoting work-from-home and part-time employment models
States like Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim have higher FLFPR because of targeted policies like SHGs (Self-Help Groups), women’s industrial parks, and reservation in panchayats. These can be adapted to the cultural context of lagging states.
Poverty Alleviation through Inclusion
Economic independence for women has a direct impact on household and community poverty. Dual-income households are more resilient to inflation, medical expenses, and education costs. Furthermore, women reinvest a higher proportion of their income into their families, especially children’s nutrition and education, resulting in a positive generational cycle.
By contrast, in states with low FLFPR, poverty is cyclical. Limited income sources, high birth rates, and low education levels trap families in multi-generational deprivation. When women are economically active, they contribute not just financially but also socially—as agents of change.
The Way Forward: Policy and Mindset Shift
To reverse the trend of low female participation, a sustained paradigm shift is needed—both in policy and public attitude. The following steps are crucial:
- Curriculum Reforms: Educating both boys and girls about gender roles and the value of economic equality from a young age.
- Skilling and Upskilling: Vocational training must be tailored for women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Infrastructure Development: Safe roads, toilets, and reliable transport can increase mobility and confidence.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Providing easy credit, mentorship, and incubation centers for female-led businesses.
- Private Sector Participation: Flexible work hours, maternity support, and diversity mandates can help retain female talent.
Conclusion: No Progress Without Her
Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh represent different socio-economic realities, yet they share a common failure: neglecting women in the workforce. This neglect is not only a social injustice but a critical drag on the nation’s growth potential.
India’s demographic dividend will remain unrealized unless women are empowered as equal economic participants. Growth, equality, and poverty removal are interconnected goals—and women are central to all three. No state, however developed, can claim success while half its population remains economically sidelined.
The path forward demands political will, community engagement, and cultural transformation. Only then can India rise—not just in GDP, but in true national strength, driven equally by its women.
Comments are closed.