Women’s Employment Rate Doubled to 40.3% in Seven Years

Over the past seven years, the employment rate for women in India has doubled. According to the Ministry of Labour, the rate rose from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24. Unemployment also decreased from 5.6% to 3.2%. The government aims to ensure 70% female workforce participation by 2047 as part of its vision for a developed India.

The Ministry of Labour stated on August 25 that the female employment rate increased significantly during this period. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data revealed that women’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.6% to 3.2% in this timeframe.

The ministry further said that increasing female workforce participation is especially important in rural India, where the employment rate for women has risen by 96%. In urban areas, there has been a 43% increase.

Employment among female graduates also rose from 42% in 2013 to 47.53% in 2024. For women with postgraduate and higher education, the employment rate increased from 34.5% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2023-24.

According to the India Skills Report 2025, approximately 55% of Indian graduates are expected to be globally employable in 2025, up from 51.2% in 2024. Data from the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) shows that 15.6 million women have joined the formal workforce over the last seven years.