Labour Day: Women workforce participation, social protection coverage in India improves significantly

NEW DELHI: India has expanded social protection coverage from about 19 per cent in 2015 to over 64 per cent in 2025, female labour force participation rose from 23.3 per cent in 2017–18 to 40 per cent in 2025, and women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles, the government said on Friday on the occasion of International Labour Day.

"Women are increasingly engaged in income-generating activities and local enterprises. They are gaining access to skills, social security, and formal systems. They are becoming more visible within the economic framework," the statement described a broad-based shift.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey showed that female labour force participation has risen sharply, from 23.3 per cent in 2017–18 to 40 per cent in 2025.

"Rural India continues to lead this change, pointing to a deeper structural shift in how women engage with work, not just as occasional contributors, but as consistent economic participants," the statement noted.

It said the rise in female participation reflects a broader expansion of employment opportunities and a steady movement towards formalisation in the labour market.

Government's efforts is also reflected in the strengthening of healthcare services under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. A recently inaugurated ESIC hospital in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir, will serve over 50,000 workers and their families, improving access to medical care and reinforcing the broader objective of worker welfare.