**Indian Women’s Workforce Participation Lags Behind Global Peers**
A recent poll of economists and policy experts has revealed that India will need at least two decades to catch up with its G20 peers in terms of women’s participation in the workforce. This gap is a concerning issue, not just for individual women but also for the country’s overall economic growth.
According to the poll, many respondents pointed out that poorly-paid self-employment is one major reason behind India’s low rate of female workforce participation. In India, many women are forced to take up low-paying jobs or work as freelancers due to lack of job security and limited opportunities in formal employment. This not only keeps them from earning a decent living but also prevents them from contributing fully to the economy.
The data shows that while countries like Australia, Canada, and Sweden have high rates of female participation, India lags behind with just 30% of women in the workforce. The government’s efforts to increase women’s participation are laudable, but more needs to be done to address the structural barriers that hold them back.
One expert commented, “The issue is not just about getting more women into work, but also about creating better-quality jobs that pay a decent wage and offer job security.” Another noted, “Until we address these underlying issues, it’s unlikely that India will see significant improvement in female workforce participation anytime soon.”
This report highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize policies that promote equal opportunities, training programs that equip women with skills relevant to modern industries, and laws that protect their rights. Only then can India hope to close the gap with its global peers.
**Commentary:**
The finding of this poll is a wake-up call for Indian policymakers and society as a whole. It’s not just about meeting international standards; it’s also about recognizing the value that women bring to the economy. By investing in education, training, and job creation programs specifically tailored to women, India can create a more inclusive economy and reduce poverty.
**Deeper Analysis:**
The poll suggests that poorly-paid self-employment is a major obstacle to increasing female workforce participation in India. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “informal economy” or the “shadow economy.” It’s essential to understand that these low-paying jobs not only hold women back from contributing fully to the economy but also deprive them of access to basic rights and social security.
To bridge this gap, policymakers need to create an environment where women can choose between formal employment opportunities and self-employment with dignity. This requires a fundamental shift in how we view work and recognize the value that all workers bring to society.
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