In a boost for gender equality, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced that women’s share in India’s labour force has risen sharply to 40% in 2025, up from 23.3% seven years ago. Addressing Swiggy’s ‘Swigstreet: Celebrating Women on the Move’ initiative in New Delhi, he attributed this progress to proactive government policies and a commitment to women’s empowerment.
Mandaviya stressed the dual importance of women’s workforce engagement—for social progress and economic vitality. ‘Prime Minister Modi’s vision has unlocked unprecedented opportunities,’ he said, pointing to the leap in participation rates as evidence of real change.
Diving into the data, the Female Worker Population Ratio improved from 22% to 39%, and unemployment among women fell from 5.6% to 3.1%. This indicates not just more jobs, but better job security for women across sectors.
Social security coverage has expanded threefold in ten years, from 19% to 64.3%, thanks to labour reforms and digital outreach. The newly enforced Labour Codes mark a new era, especially for gig economy workers. For the first time, platform workers, including a growing number of women, receive formal recognition and social protections.
Key reforms include equal remuneration for equal work, flexible work-from-home policies, extended maternity benefits, and on-site childcare facilities. These innovations dismantle traditional obstacles, enabling women to balance professional aspirations with family responsibilities.
As India marches towards 2047 development goals, such inclusive policies promise a workforce where talent knows no gender, driving sustainable prosperity.
