India Sees Sharp Rise in Women’s Employment to 39 pc in 2025

New Delhi, Apr 27 (BNP): India has witnessed a strong rise in women’s participation in the workforce, with the women’s employment rate increasing to 39% in 2025 from 22% in 2017, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event in the capital, the Minister said the improvement reflects expanding job opportunities for women across sectors and growing inclusion in both formal and informal employment.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several enabling reforms and initiatives have helped improve women’s access to employment and economic participation.

Steady Rise in Workforce Participation

Mandaviya also highlighted that the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) has increased from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025, indicating a steady improvement in women’s engagement in the labour market.

He said the trend reflects a broader structural shift in India’s economy, with more women entering diverse sectors, including services, digital platforms, and emerging industries.

Focus on Digital and Platform Economy

The Minister was speaking at the SwigStree event in New Delhi, which focused on women’s participation in the platform and gig economy.

Officials noted that increasing involvement of women in such sectors is contributing to financial independence and broader economic empowerment.

The government said continued focus on skill development, digital access, and employment-linked initiatives will further strengthen women’s participation in India’s workforce in the coming years.