He described the trend as a clear indicator of growing empowerment and expanding opportunities for women across India
New Delhi
Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday highlighted a significant rise in women’s participation in India’s workforce, stating that the female labour force participation rate has increased from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40 percent in 2025.
He described the trend as a clear indicator of growing empowerment and expanding opportunities for women across the country.
Speaking at the SwigStree: Celebrating Women on the Move event organised by Swiggy, Mandaviya emphasised that women’s equal participation in the workforce is not only a matter of social justice but also a key driver of economic growth. He noted that empowering women remains central to the vision of building a developed India, often referred to as a Viksit Bharat.
The minister attributed the improvement in employment indicators to policy measures undertaken under the leadership of Narendra Modi. He pointed out that the Female Worker Population Ratio has risen from 22 percent to nearly 39 percent during the same period, while the Female Unemployment Rate has declined from 5.6 percent to 3.1 percent. These figures, he said, indicate that more women are not only seeking employment but are also successfully finding jobs.
Mandaviya also highlighted the expansion of social security coverage in India, which has grown nearly threefold over the past decade—from 19 percent in 2015 to over 64.3 percent in 2025. He said this progress reflects sustained reforms in labour laws, increased digital inclusion, and targeted welfare initiatives aimed at supporting workers across sectors.
A key focus of his address was the implementation of the four Labour Codes, which came into effect last November. He described these reforms as transformative, particularly the Code on Social Security, which for the first time formally recognises gig and platform workers. This recognition is especially significant for women engaged in flexible or app-based work, as it provides them with legal identity and access to social protection.
The minister further noted that the Labour Codes enshrine the principle of equal pay for equal work, marking a major step toward eliminating gender-based wage disparities. Additional provisions such as work-from-home options, maternity benefits, and mandatory crèche facilities at workplaces are expected to address long-standing structural barriers that have limited women’s sustained participation in the workforce.
Overall, the government views these developments as part of a broader effort to create an inclusive and resilient labour market where women can contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth trajectory.
