Hindu Editorial Analysis : 5-March-2024
The employment situation for women in urban India has become a significant concern. Recent data shows a high demand for jobs among urban women that remains unmet. This situation highlights the urgent need for effective solutions.
Current Employment Trends
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), women’s participation in the workforce has risen from 22% in 2017-18 to 35.9% in 2022-23. While this is an improvement, it is still below the global average of 47%. In comparison, countries like China have a female labor force participation rate (LFPR) of 60%.
- Rural Areas:
- Female LFPR increased from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 41.5% in 2022-23.
- Urban Areas:
- Female LFPR increased from 20.4% in 2017-18 to 25.4% in 2022-23.
- As of the last quarter of 2023, the employment rate for urban women is 22.9%.
Unmet Demand for Employment
There is a clear unmet demand for employment among urban women. The unemployment rate in urban areas stands at 9%, compared to just 4% in rural areas. This indicates that many urban women are looking for work but cannot find it.
- Types of Unemployment:
- Active seekers: Women actively looking for jobs.
- Passive seekers: Women who want to work but are not actively searching.
Causes of Unemployment
Several factors contribute to the high unemployment rates among urban women:
- Social Norms and Safety Concerns:
- Traditional roles and safety issues often discourage women from seeking jobs.
- Gender Segregation in Occupations:
- Many sectors dominated by women have seen little growth, limiting job opportunities.
- Economic Challenges:
- The rise of new technologies during the pandemic has led to job losses, widening the skill gap.
- Population Growth:
- A growing population increases the demand for jobs, which the economy cannot meet.
- Lack of Investment:
- Insufficient investment in small enterprises and rural development keeps many women underemployed.
- High Costs:
- Implementing job programs can be expensive, requiring significant government funding.
Proposed Solutions
To tackle these issues, various protective laws have been introduced to create equal opportunities for women. However, specific programs like the Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA) are needed.
Vision for WUEGA
WUEGA aims to ensure that women make up at least 50% of the program management staff, ideally striving for complete representation. Key features include:
- Community Involvement:
- Engaging women and local communities to strengthen governance.
- Accessible Worksites:
- Worksites must have essential facilities like childcare and be located within 5 kilometers.
- Free Transportation:
- Public transport should be free for women to enhance accessibility.
Why In News
Recently, the urban employment landscape in India for women has become a pressing concern, revealing a significant and unmet demand for job opportunities among urban women, which underscores the urgent need for effective policy interventions.
MCQs about Urban Employment Landscape for Women in India
- What was the unemployment rate for urban areas in India?
A. 4%
B. 7%
C. 9%
D. 11%
- Which of the following initiatives has been pivotal in providing financial autonomy to women in rural areas?
A. National Urban Livelihood Mission
B. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
C. MGNREGA
D. Women’s Development Programme
- what is one of the barriers preventing urban women from entering the workforce?
A. Abundant job opportunities
B. High levels of education
C. Hostile transportation options
D. Strong government support
- What is the proposed involvement of women in the management staff of the WUEGA?
A. 25%
B. 50%
C. 75%
D. 100%
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