WOMENS WORKFORCE ATTRITION IN WEST BENGALS INFORMAL SECTOR- AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

This paper examines the factors driving high attrition among women workers in West Bengals informal sector, focusing on economic, social, occupational, and institutional challenges that affect their continued employment. Using secondary data, government reports, and a comprehensive literature review, the study identifies several interconnected causes of womens withdrawal from informal work. These include low and irregular wages, job insecurity, insufficient social protection, unsafe working conditions, health issues, limited access to skill development, restricted career growth, gender-based discrimination, and the burden of household and caregiving duties. The study also highlights how social norms, limited financial independence, lack of childcare, and inadequate institutional support hinder women’s ability to maintain long-term employment. The findings show that women’s attrition in the informal sector is driven not only by individual choices but also by structural and institutional inequalities in the labour market. The study underscores the need for stronger labour protections, expanded social security, financial inclusion, accessible childcare, skill development, safer workplaces, and gender-sensitive employment policies.Greater institutional support and effective welfare programmes are crucial for improving job retention and creating sustainable employment for women.