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Build a “care economy”
Socio-culturally viewed as a ‘nurturer’, a woman’s role in the welfare of families often becomes a determinant for undertaking any economic activity. While a growing number of employers are institutionalizing care needs for women, much more effort is needed. India’s 2024 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data indicates a powerful correlation between building care ecosystems and female workforce participation, with 43.04% of women identifying childcare and homemaking responsibilities important for them to participate in work.
In recent years, the Government of India has stepped up its efforts to build a care economy. For example, the Palna Scheme introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development provides “Anganwadi cum Creches” to create a safe and secure environment for children. They also focus on nutrition and cognitive development of children, enabling mothers to undertake gainful employment. Many such schemes in every state are helping build supporting conditions for childcare and family welfare.
Improve workplace conditions
Workplaces must allow a safe, hygienic working environment for women. Policymakers and employers have an important responsibility to create these conditions. Recently, the Government of India launched the SHe-Box portal to bolster workplace safety for women. This unified platform enables women employees to file complaints and monitor their status, thereby ensuring timely action by relevant authorities.
The Smart Cities Mission, with an approved outlay of INR48,000 crore, contributes by incorporating gender-sensitive urban design, creating employment opportunities in technology and promoting digital inclusion. It also helps provide water and sanitation facilities for women in cities with facilities such as women-friendly toilets, and smart water management which allow women access to facilities through digital apps.
Affordable working women hostels and dormitories also go a long way. The Ministry of Women and Child Development manages the Working Women Hostel (WWH) scheme, providing safe and affordable housing for working women in cities, towns and rural areas along with day care facilities.
The government is also actively promoting women empowerment in the water and sanitation sectors through various flagship programs. The Swachh Bharat Mission's broader impact, with a total outlay of roughly INR1.96 lakh crore, creates women leaders in sanitation projects, entrepreneurial opportunities in waste management and behavioral change campaigns.