📄 Abstract
Female labour force participation (FLFP) is a key indicator of economic development, gender equality, and inclusive growth. Despite notable improvements in female education and health, India has historically recorded relatively low female labour force participation compared with many developing economies. However, recent evidence from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicates a substantial increase in female labour force participation after 2017–18, warranting renewed academic attention. This study examines the trends, patterns, and regional disparities in female labour force participation in India during the period 2017–18 to 2023–24. The study is based on secondary data obtained from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Census of India, National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Economic Survey, and the Reserve Bank of India. Descriptive statistical techniques, including trend and comparative analyses, have been employed to examine changes in labour force participation across rural and urban areas and among selected states. The findings indicate a significant increase in female labour force participation during the study period, although considerable rural–urban and interstate disparities continue to exist. Rural women continue to exhibit higher participation rates than urban women, while substantial differences persist across states due to variations in economic opportunities, educational attainment, labour market conditions, and socio-cultural factors. The study highlights the importance of employment generation, skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, social protection, and gender-responsive labour market policies in enhancing women's economic participation. The findings contribute to the understanding of recent labour market dynamics and provide policy insights for promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development in India.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Suprity Shyam, Dr. Surabi Dutta , FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN INDIA: TRENDS, PATTERNS AND REGIONAL DISPARITIES DURING 2017–18 TO 2023–24 , Volume 12 , Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Global Economic Light (JGEL) , Pages: 17 - 24 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28764