India marks International Labour Day with rising women workforce participation and expanded social protection coverage nationwide, reflecting inclusive economic growth.
New Delhi
India has recorded significant progress in women’s workforce participation and social protection coverage, the government said on Friday on the occasion of International Labour Day. Social protection coverage expanded sharply from about 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025, reflecting wider access to welfare schemes and formal support systems.
At the same time, female labour force participation has risen from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey. This growth highlights a structural shift, particularly in rural India, where women are increasingly engaging in consistent, income-generating work rather than occasional employment.
The government noted that improved access to skills, financial inclusion, and social security has enabled more women to participate actively in the economy. Expansion of healthcare services under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme has further strengthened worker welfare. A new ESIC hospital in Budgam is expected to serve over 50,000 workers and their families.
Entrepreneurship among women is also rising, especially through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission, which has mobilised over 10 crore households into self-help groups. Initiatives like the Lakhpati Didi programme aim to help women earn sustainable incomes through better access to credit and markets.
India’s growing startup ecosystem, with over 2.2 lakh recognised startups, further reflects this trend, with more than one lakh ventures having at least one woman director, signalling greater gender inclusion in business leadership.