UP’s female labour force participation jumps from 14% to 36% in six years: Report – ETHRWorld.com

Report on Female Labour Force Participation in Uttar Pradesh and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A recent report based on the Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index indicates a significant increase in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This report analyzes the statistical growth, outlines the contributing government initiatives, and evaluates the progress in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning gender equality, economic growth, and poverty reduction.

Key Statistical Findings

• The FLFPR in Uttar Pradesh surged from 14% in the 2017-18 period to 36% in 2023-24, marking a 22-percentage-point increase.
• This growth has narrowed the gap with India’s national average FLFPR, which stood at 25% in 2017-18 and rose to 45% in 2023-24.
• Data from the e-Shram portal indicates that women constitute 53% of total registrations.
• In the construction sector, women now represent 34.65% of the workforce.

Government Initiatives Driving Economic Empowerment

The state government has implemented several key policies and programs aimed at enhancing women’s economic participation and safety. These initiatives are central to achieving the observed growth and align with broader development objectives.

1. Legislative Reforms for Workplace Access: Restrictions on women working in 29 factory categories previously deemed hazardous have been removed, opening new employment sectors.
2. Enabling Night Shift Work: Women are now permitted to work night shifts, contingent upon employers providing mandatory safety, transport, food, and rest facilities.
3. Mission Shakti Program: A comprehensive initiative focused on improving women’s safety and security, creating a more conducive environment for their participation in public and economic life.
4. Promotion of Self-Reliance: The government has facilitated the formation of over 10 lakh self-help groups, connecting more than one crore women to income-generating activities and fostering entrepreneurship.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The progress in Uttar Pradesh’s FLFPR directly contributes to several key SDGs, reflecting a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • The increase in FLFPR is a primary indicator of progress towards achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
  • Policy reforms, such as allowing women in all factory sectors and enabling night shifts, directly address Target 5.5 (Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership).
  • These measures dismantle discriminatory barriers to women’s economic participation.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Integrating a larger female workforce contributes directly to sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth (Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all).
  • The emphasis on safety protocols for night shifts and in factories supports the goal of providing “decent work” in safe and secure environments.

• SDG 1: No Poverty

  • The establishment of over one million self-help groups provides women with direct access to economic resources, a critical step in eradicating poverty in all its forms.
  • By connecting over one crore women to income-generating activities, these initiatives directly support Target 1.4 (Ensure equal rights to economic resources).

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Closing the gender gap in labour force participation is a fundamental aspect of reducing inequality within and among countries.
  • The policies promote the economic inclusion of women, directly aligning with Target 10.2 (Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of sex).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The core theme of the article is the economic empowerment of women and the significant increase in their participation in the workforce. This directly relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. The article highlights government policies and initiatives specifically aimed at improving women’s economic status and presence in various sectors.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses the growth of the female labor force, which is a key component of inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It also touches upon creating productive employment and decent work for all, particularly for women, by mentioning new policies that allow women to work in previously restricted sectors and during night shifts under safe conditions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Target 5.5: “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.” The article directly supports this target by reporting on the “remarkable rise” of female labour force participation from 14% to 36%, indicating a significant step towards fuller economic participation for women in Uttar Pradesh.
   • Target 5.c: “Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels.” The article explicitly mentions several government policies and decisions, such as launching the “Mission Shakti program,” giving women “priority in government jobs,” removing restrictions on women working in 29 previously prohibited factory categories, and permitting night shifts with safety provisions. These are concrete examples of policies aimed at empowering women economically.
2. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men…” The article’s central point—the 22-percent surge in the female labour force participation rate—is a direct measure of progress toward this target. The creation of over 10 lakh self-help groups, connecting over one crore women with income-generating activities, also contributes to achieving productive employment.
   • Target 8.8: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers…” This target is addressed by the government’s new regulations mentioned in the article. For instance, allowing women to work night shifts is conditional on employers arranging “proper safety, transportation, food, and rest facilities.” Similarly, allowing women in all 29 factory categories is contingent on employers strictly following “safety guidelines to ensure a secure and supportive working environment.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several specific quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Female labour force participation rate: This is the primary indicator used throughout the article. It provides a clear quantitative measure of progress, showing an increase from 14% in 2017-18 to 36% in 2023-24 in Uttar Pradesh.
• Proportion of women in specific sectors/portals: The article provides data points that serve as indicators of women’s integration into the economy.
  • 53% of registrations on the e-Shram portal are women.
  • 34.65% of workers in the construction sector are women.
• Number of women in entrepreneurship and self-help groups: The article states that the government “has helped form more than 10 lakh self-help groups, connecting over one crore women with income-generating activities,” which is a direct indicator of women’s entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
• Adoption of policies promoting women’s employment: The implementation of specific government initiatives serves as a qualitative indicator of progress. These include:
  • The “Mission Shakti program.”
  • Removal of prohibitions on women working in 29 categories of factories.
  • Permission for women to work night shifts with mandated safety provisions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com