How far is it true? : Indian women are dropping out of the workforce

(The Day Special)

The latest figures hint towards the sharp decline in the female employment rate women in the workforce in India and that presently equals that of war-torn Yemen. Nevertheless, a marginal recovery has been witnessed now after the COVID-19 pandemic, but women continue to lag behind as far as employment in India is concerned.

Significantly, India’s total fertility rate (TFR) has dropped below 2.20 to 2, which once used to be 4.97 as recorded in the five years of 1975 and 1980 period.

The drop in fertility rate seems to result in the high gross per capita income of India with positive economic development. This key macro indicator also appears to affirm the recent expectation of India towards becoming the fastest-growing Asian economy for a high growth period in the next ten years.

On one hand, the golden period is seen awaiting India with its amazing victory that has been clocked in by Indian females with the TFR, and on the other hand, a worrying new trend is emerging leaving many baffled.

That is the sharp decline in the female employment rate in the Indian workforce, which currently equals that of war-torn country, Yemen. No doubt a marginal recovery post-pandemic also helped still women continue being the biggest victims of the pandemic.

The situation shows that Indian married women spent a considerably higher amount of time in household works caring for family members than men do. If some of them go out for work, they are mostly seen busy working as caseworkers. Particularly in states like Bihar this is salient feature.

Now it needs thinking over how we address these inequalities not only in in domestic and care work but also in the labour market engagement. There also seems  a sort of a barrier to women’s labour force participation.

Domestic work in India is not just imposed, but basically is internalised bias when it comes to women in the country. Most of the working women say that when they get married and if the would be husband wanted them to quit their job, they are ready to do so.They mostly are open to giving up career after marriage.

This is the reason, women who are more career oriented receive around thirty percent less marriage proposals in comparison with the women who are open to leaving work post marriage.

Many educated women have significantly dropped out of the workforce. Many of them opt for dropping out of the labour force to prioritise family and other outcomes against the ‘complications’ arising while working from home and life. Thus, having invested a lot of money and time in their education goes in vain helplessly.

The Corona pandemic did take its toll on women. The female employment rate during 2020-21 shows a sharp decline in this direction. It reveals, female participation in the workforce went down to nine percent in this period. In the post-pandemic period also the situation witnessed not more than a marginal recovery picture. Still, the question is , why are women reluctant to come back into the workforce?

Here two significant facts look vital as the reason behind it. One is India psyche and the other is the need. If there is a need and if it is really one hardcore need for survival women sure will come to the fore. The other seemingly reason psyche is in the blood and veins of Indian female folks. They are taught to be working for family at home. This makes them feel that their first and foremost duty is towards the care for the family members. this is another reason which keep them reluctant to come forward to hold the responsibility out side too.