Role of female workforce participation in development of India

In India, organization has always been a male-dominated place. Women constitutes for 48.29 percent of population (Census, 2011), however, accounts for just 22.5 percent of workforce. International Labour Organization (ILO) ranks India at 121st out of 131 countries in female labour force participation (FLFP). Female workforce in public sector is even lesser than private sector. Low workforce participation rate was due to cultural and social norms which states women are suppose to be at home, do the home chores, and care for children and elderly parents whereas men are suppose to earn livelihood and complete the outside tasks. Another reason was negligence of female education specifically job oriented education. Contribution of females, engaged in agriculture and allied activities, was not counted as their own contribution and it formed the part of family head’s income. Female workforce participation is directly proportional to the development of a nation. Female participation in workforce contributes enhanced standard of living and education level. It also increases Gross domestic income (GDP) and per capita income. Female workforce participation also improves health, thus, life expectancy. Cultural and social changes in Indian society will provide nurturing environment to females. Female education level should increase and especially skill development through professional and vocational training and job oriented courses. Equal opportunity to work and equal wages for equal work will boost morale of females and motivate them to be a part of working population. Safe and secure working environment encourage females for employment. Government should initiate programmes to enhance female participation at all levels (social, economic and political). Private sector organizations should also encourage women participation at workplace.