International Women’s Day 2025: Why Empowering Women at Work is Crucial for India

As the world marks International Women's Day on March 8, the conversation around gender equality in the workforce becomes more pertinent than ever. While India has made significant strides in increasing female labor force participation, the country is still far from fully harnessing the economic potential of its women workforce. With a national goal to achieve a $30 trillion GDP by 2047, women's contribution is expected to account for nearly 45% ($14 trillion). However, the current labor force trends indicate that India may still fall short of this target unless systemic changes are implemented.

Progress in Women’s Workforce Participation

According to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women rose to 41.7% in 2023-24, an improvement from 37% in 2022-23. While this increase signals progress, a report by the Magic Bus Foundation highlights that India could still face a shortfall of 145 million women workers by 2047, making the ambitious $30 trillion GDP goal difficult to achieve. This gap underscores the need for stronger policy interventions and corporate commitments to bring more women into the workforce.

Barriers to Women's Representation in Leadership

Despite women forming nearly half of the global workforce, their presence in leadership roles remains disproportionately low. As Suresh Ramanathan, Dean of Great Lakes Institute of Management , Chennai, points out, "Despite women now representing nearly 50% of the global workforce, they hold only about 31 per cent of senior leadership roles and a mere 8 per cent of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies. This is not due to a lack of competence but a lack of opportunity, visibility, and structured mentorship."

The absence of women in executive positions not only affects gender equity but also stifles economic growth and innovation. Studies have shown that businesses with greater gender diversity in leadership tend to outperform those without it, emphasizing the importance of breaking the barriers that hinder women from advancing in their careers.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

Education remains a powerful tool in bridging the gender gap in employment. "Education is the most powerful lever for change. Studies show that women with higher education are 34% more likely to hold managerial positions, and organisations that invest in leadership development for women see an 18% increase in innovation revenue. What this tells us is simple; when we create inclusive learning environments that emphasize critical thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills, we drive systemic economic progress," says Ramanathan.

By prioritizing skill-building initiatives and ensuring equal access to quality education, India can cultivate a workforce where women not only participate but also lead in various industries.

Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality

At the individual level, increasing women's workforce participation translates to economic independence and social progress. "At a micro level, higher workforce participation of women will result in economic empowerment, which would further push the agenda of gender equality and women's rights . Economic empowerment makes benefits attached to dignified work accessible to women with social protection and control of elusive resources," notes Vibhav Singh, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior at Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon.

Beyond individual benefits, organizations with a higher percentage of women employees often report enhanced workplace culture, better team collaboration, and improved productivity. Studies suggest that a gender-balanced workforce fosters an inclusive environment that fuels creativity and innovation.

Addressing Structural Barriers

The journey toward greater female workforce participation in India is fraught with socio-cultural, political, and historical challenges. Many women are still confined to informal, invisible, and labor-intensive roles - a phenomenon termed the ‘Triple-I issue.’ This structural imbalance must be addressed by both government policies and corporate frameworks that support women's employment in formal sectors.

For India to realize its economic aspirations, it is imperative to create an ecosystem that encourages women to enter, remain, and thrive in the workforce. Policy reforms, corporate responsibility, and societal shifts must work in tandem to break long-standing gender barriers. International Women’s Day 2025 serves as a reminder that achieving true economic prosperity is only possible when India fully taps into the potential of its women workforce.