More Than a Social Issue: Why Women’s Empowerment is an Economic Imperative
8 months ago

More Than a Social Issue: Why Women’s Empowerment is an Economic Imperative

News 18  

“Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do.” – Barack Obama India stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of inclusive economic growth, where the interplay of health, gender equality, and economic policies is more significant than ever. The recently tabled Economic Survey 2024 and the Union Budget have brought to light pressing issues concerning women’s development and health in India. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, 40.4 per cent of women face obesity versus 37 per cent of men, and in Andhra, 36.3 per cent of women are obese compared to 31.1 per cent of men. Towards a Gender-Equal Future Therefore, empowering women requires a holistic approach that addresses both economic and social dimensions, from health and agriculture to education and political participation.

Health India Women Social Agriculture Access Gender Equality Obesity Economic Empowerment Survey Cent Need Stem Limited Access  issue  obesity  survey  access  agriculture  women  health  social  need  imperative  economic  empowerment  cent  womens

History of this topic

Are women free to spend the money they earn? What GDB survey reveals
1 week, 1 day ago

Are women free to spend the money they earn? What GDB survey reveals

India Today  

A woman's right to manage her own earnings remains a contested issue across India, with attitudes varying significantly by region, according to the inaugural India Today Gross Domestic Behaviour survey. A majority of respondents, 69 per cent, believe that women should have full control over their own earnings, while 31 per cent felt that financial decisions should require family approval. …

India’s Gendered Workforce Crisis: What the Latest Time Use Survey and PLFS Reveal About Women’s Employment
1 week, 1 day ago

India’s Gendered Workforce Crisis: What the Latest Time Use Survey and PLFS Reveal About Women’s Employment

The Hindu  

Published : Mar 22, 2025 22:19 IST - 9 MINS READ For quite some time now, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government has been at pains to show that employment, especially women’s employment, has been improving. Conversely, the marginal reduction of time spent in caregiving activities does not indicate that more women have entered the “paid” employment sector. There is …

Women's mental health a ticking time-bomb in India: How to defuse crisis
1 week, 5 days ago

Women's mental health a ticking time-bomb in India: How to defuse crisis

India Today  

An alarming women’s mental health crisis is staring India and the world in the face. Despite such disturbing figures, stigma and societal taboos continue to keep scores of Indian women with mental health issues from seeking professional help. ‘Unveiling the Silent Struggle’, a report by Mpower, a mental health social enterprise of the Aditya Birla Education Trust, has found that …

The invisible struggle: Addressing the plight of deserted women in India
2 weeks, 3 days ago

The invisible struggle: Addressing the plight of deserted women in India

The Hindu  

Marriage, a cornerstone of societal structure, is traditionally viewed as a fundamental institution, not only forming the bedrock of family life but also defining social roles and statuses. While recent initiatives such as PMAY-G mandate joint ownership, many properties remain solely in the husband’s name, leaving deserted women without a secure social safety net. Despite the existence of laws designed …

India committed to empowering, protecting women, children: Minister Annpurna Devi at UN
2 weeks, 6 days ago

India committed to empowering, protecting women, children: Minister Annpurna Devi at UN

New Indian Express  

NEW DELHI: India is committed to empowering and protecting women and children across the nation, said Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi. Addressing the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the minister highlighted the transformative impact of flagship schemes, which have significantly contributed to improving health, nutrition, …

Importance of education in women empowerment highlighted
3 weeks, 1 day ago

Importance of education in women empowerment highlighted

The Hindu  

Thanjavur District Social Welfare Officer R.T. Latha highlighted the importance of education in women empowerment. Participating in the Women’s Day celebrations at the Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology, a Deemed to be a University, at Vallam near Thanjavur on Saturday, Ms. Latha encouraged the students to pursue their dreams, overcome societal challenges, and contribute to nation-building, apart from …

Healing hands, strong voices: Women driving India's war on Neglected Tropical diseases
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Healing hands, strong voices: Women driving India's war on Neglected Tropical diseases

India Today  

Neglected Tropical Diseases impact both men and women, but biological differences, gender roles, and family responsibilities increase women's vulnerability to certain infections. WOMEN SHAPING POLICY AND STRATEGY At the highest level, women leaders are instrumental in shaping India’s NTD elimination strategy. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India oversees primary healthcare in India, with women holding key …

Over 89 million urban Indian women still out of labour market in 2023-2024
Trending News
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Over 89 million urban Indian women still out of labour market in 2023-2024

The Hindu  

Despite women’s employment in urban India jumping 10% in six years, more than 89 million urban Indian women are still out of the labour market in 2023-2024, according to a white paper launched by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025. Meanwhile, young male unemployment in urban India outpaces women’s in a concerning …

Over 89 Mn Women Out of Labour Market in Urban India
Trending News
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Over 89 Mn Women Out of Labour Market in Urban India

Deccan Chronicle  

Chennai: Over 89 million or 57 per cent of working-age women in urban India remained out of the labour market in FY24, despite women outpacing men in educational enrolment. Over 89 million urban Indian women, or 57 per cent of those in the age group of 15 to 64 years, are out of the labour market. Women's employment in urban …

T.N. govt. lists out measures undertaken for welfare of women
3 weeks, 3 days ago

T.N. govt. lists out measures undertaken for welfare of women

The Hindu  

Ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday listed out the measures being undertaken for the welfare of women. The State government had extended marriage assistance to the tune of ₹1,047 crore for about 1.26 lakh women, an official release said. It waived off loans obtained by 15.88 lakh women attached to 1.17 …

Beyond just saving: How can women secure, invest, and create long-term wealth?
Trending News
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Beyond just saving: How can women secure, invest, and create long-term wealth?

Live Mint  

Despite making financial strides, women in India represent a small fraction of the country’s investor base. According to NSE data, only 22% of stock market investors are women, while CAMS reports that 28% of mutual fund investors are women, with most preferring systematic investment plans. While these numbers signal progress, the question remains—are women truly building wealth, or are these …

Women-centric policies need to deliver progress that’s tangible and enduring
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Women-centric policies need to deliver progress that’s tangible and enduring

Live Mint  

As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, the theme—“For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. But grit cannot replace workplace dignity, nor should ‘doing it all’ be celebrated as a triumph when it highlights a lack of support systems for working women. Also, the Mission Shakti budget has been increased to expand crisis centres, helplines and fast-track courts, acknowledging the urgency of …

Women's Day 2025: List of central government schemes for women empowerment
3 weeks, 4 days ago

Women's Day 2025: List of central government schemes for women empowerment

India TV News  

Women's Day 2025: List of central government schemes for women empowerment Women's Day 2025: The government of India has introduced several schemes in the recent years to empower women and ensure they receive their rightful share in society. Women empowerment schemes in India Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Launched in January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Beti Bachao Beti …

India witnesses positive trend in female workforce participation over past six years: Centre
3 weeks, 5 days ago

India witnesses positive trend in female workforce participation over past six years: Centre

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Ministry of Labour and Employment Secretary Sumita Dawra on Wednesday said India has witnessed a positive trend in female workforce participation over the past six years. With India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate at 41.7 per cent, this platform brought together government policymakers, industry leaders, global organizations, and skilling institutions to address key challenges and barriers, including employment barriers, …

Empowering women to unlock India’s agriculture
1 month ago

Empowering women to unlock India’s agriculture

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: In India's rural villages many women are often overlooked when it comes to securing a good respectable income from their family's farmlands. According to data released in December 2023 by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission, India has 9 million SHGs, with almost 100 million women as its members. In conclusion, India ought to focus on developing core …

Unlocking women’s workforce potential in India
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Unlocking women’s workforce potential in India

The Hindu  

India’s quest for high economic growth and social equity hinges on an obvious but underrated lever — its women’s workforce. A new study by the writers, titled “Unlocking Women’s Workforce Potential in India: Quantifying the Labour Market Impact of Formalising Part-time Employment and Gender Equality in Unpaid Care Work”, published by the National Council of Applied Economic Research, delves into …

Women’s labour force participation in India rises to 35.6%
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Women’s labour force participation in India rises to 35.6%

Deccan Chronicle  

Chennai: A rapid rise in women’s labour force participation in India from just 21.6 per cent in 2018-19 to 35.6 per cent in 2023-24 is expected to push female employment in South Asia, finds the World Bank. South Asia’s female labour force participation today remains among the lowest in the world with over 400 million working-age women in the region …

Women’s organisations seek focus on increasing female workforce participation in Union budget
2 months ago

Women’s organisations seek focus on increasing female workforce participation in Union budget

The Hindu  

Women’s organisations and civil society members feel that increasing female workforce participation through employment-linked incentives, flexible work hours, and providing supportive infrastructure, including work site creches, should be a priority of the government in the upcoming Union budget. Even as the women’s groups lauded the increase in the ‘gender budget’ component of the previous budget, as well as special schemes, …

SBI Launches skill development program for 5,200 women
2 months ago

SBI Launches skill development program for 5,200 women

Deccan Chronicle  

Mumbai: State Bank of India, the country’s largest bank and the banker to over 21 crore women strengthens its ‘women empowerment’ mission with the launch of a special training program tailored exclusively for women across its 153 Rural Self Employment Training Institutes. He also commended SBI’s steadfast commitment to rural development and acknowledged the critical role played by SBI’s RSETIs …

Budget 2025: What women taxpayers can expect
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Budget 2025: What women taxpayers can expect

India Today  

As India gears up for the Union Budget 2025, women taxpayers are hopeful of policies that recognise their growing financial participation and empowerment. A BOOST TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS With the rise of women entrepreneurs and their growing contribution to the economy, the Union Budget 2025 is expected to introduce tax reliefs that encourage female-led businesses. Ridhima Kansal, Director of Rosemoore, …

Women’s participation in labour force surged from FY18 to FY23: PM’s economic advisory council
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Women’s participation in labour force surged from FY18 to FY23: PM’s economic advisory council

Live Mint  

New Delhi: India's female labour force participation rate rose significantly from 2017-18 to 2022-23, especially in rural areas, according to a new working paper by the economic advisory council to the prime minister. The paper, which analysed data from the government’s Periodic Labour Force Surveys, said India's overall rural female LFPR surged from 24.6% to 41.5%, while urban female LFPR …

Economic imperative of women’s leadership in India’s private sector
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Economic imperative of women’s leadership in India’s private sector

Hindustan Times  

This decade is widely regarded as India’s, with the country poised to realise its vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse. Central to this transformation is India’s private sector, which plays a pivotal role in driving growth, innovation, and competitiveness, setting the stage for a robust and sustainable economic future. Building a pipeline of women to reach leadership roles can …

India witnesses drastic increase in female labour force participation rate under Modi govt since 2017
3 months, 3 weeks ago

India witnesses drastic increase in female labour force participation rate under Modi govt since 2017

Op India  

In a major development, the female labour force participation rate has witnessed a drastic improvement in the past 5 years. According to a report published by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, rural female LFPR has increased from 24.6% to 41.5% between 2017-2018 and 2022-2023 at the national level. Screengrab of the report by the Economic Advisory Council …

IAS Subodh Agarwal’s Take On Education And Skill Development For Rural Women
3 months, 3 weeks ago

IAS Subodh Agarwal’s Take On Education And Skill Development For Rural Women

ABP News  

New Delhi, December 3: "When women at the grassroots level are empowered to take charge, they become agents of change, reshaping their communities and challenging societal norms for a more equitable future.” - IAS Subodh Agarwal Women's empowerment is not just a fundamental right; it is a crucial pillar for sustainable development and societal progress. So let us seek insights …

India's Stunned Response to Pakistan at UNSC: A Call for Action on Minority Women's Safety
5 months ago

India's Stunned Response to Pakistan at UNSC: A Call for Action on Minority Women's Safety

India TV News  

India expressed deep disappointment and condemnation over Pakistan's provocative remarks and political propaganda surrounding the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council meeting. The Indian Permanent Representative, P Harish, stated that the condition of women belonging to minority communities, particularly Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, remains abysmal, with an estimated 1,000 women subjected to forced religious conversions and marriages annually. Harish …

Empowering Women: The Key to Boosting India's GDP
5 months, 1 week ago

Empowering Women: The Key to Boosting India's GDP

Hindustan Times  

Achieving gender equality in India could boost the GDP by $700 billion by 2025, representing a 16% increase over the current contribution. Women contribute about 18% of India’s GDP, significantly below the global average of 37%. This indicates a vast potential for growth if gender gaps in employment are addressed.

67.5% districts empowered women in decision-making, mobility: IIM-A study
6 months, 1 week ago

67.5% districts empowered women in decision-making, mobility: IIM-A study

Hindustan Times  

The decision-making power and asset ownership of women have seen a significant rise in India, according to a new study. The report said that women respondent in just 32.25% of districts felt they were able to achieve work-life balance, highlighting ongoing challenges with unpaid domestic work. {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{/userSubscribed}} The study titled “Women’s Empowerment at the Subnational Level: Towards …

Economic empowerment of women will lead to country’s progress: President Murmu
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Economic empowerment of women will lead to country’s progress: President Murmu

Hindustan Times  

Mumbai: Stating that respecting women has been a part of Indian culture, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged men to support women in achieving their dreams by identifying their capabilities. Udgir, Sept 04 : President Droupadi Murmu during the programme where she addressed the beneficiaries of ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojna’ of the Government of Maharashtra, …

Economic empowerment of women will lead to country's progress: President Droupadi Murmu
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Economic empowerment of women will lead to country's progress: President Droupadi Murmu

The Hindu  

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said economic empowerment of women will lead to the country’s progress and development, and asked men to help women achieve their dreams by identifying their capabilities. It is working for social, financial, educational development and women should take advantage of it, become independent and contribute towards the development of the state and the country,” she …

Women’s economic empowerment as a means to alleviate poverty
7 months, 1 week ago

Women’s economic empowerment as a means to alleviate poverty

Hindustan Times  

India’s recent strides in poverty alleviation demonstrate the remarkable impact of inclusion and outcome-oriented policy and execution. According to the World Bank, if India increases its women labour force participation from the current 25% to 50%, it could bring India closer to an 8% Gross Domestic Product growth rate. To further support economic empowerment, the government’s lakhpati didis and Women …

Women’s economic empowerment as a means to alleviate poverty
7 months, 1 week ago

Women’s economic empowerment as a means to alleviate poverty

Hindustan Times  

India’s recent strides in poverty alleviation demonstrate the remarkable impact of inclusion and outcome-oriented policy and execution. To further support economic empowerment, the government’s lakhpati didis and Women Entrepreneurship Fund Scheme focus on elevating women's financial status and fostering entrepreneurship. These efforts are complemented by programs like Mission Shakti and Mahila Shakti Kendras, which bolster women's safety, security, and community …

William Joe | Reducing anaemia in women could boost India’s GDP
7 months, 2 weeks ago

William Joe | Reducing anaemia in women could boost India’s GDP

Deccan Chronicle  

“India is transitioning from women’s development to women-led development with the vision of a new India where women are equal partners in the story of growth and national progress.” This year’s Economic Survey highlights the necessity of gender equality for sustainable development, a sentiment echoed by the recently-released Budget 2024-25. In India, the Niti Aayog has reported a 4.5 per …

Empowering women: A pathway to transformative change
8 months, 1 week ago

Empowering women: A pathway to transformative change

The Hindu  

The Union Budget 2024 has laid out a visionary path for our nation, emphasising four pillars of priority: ‘Garib’, ‘Mahilayen’, ‘Yuva’, and ‘Annadata’. As highlighted in the Finance Minister’s Budget speech, increasing women’s participation in the workforce through dedicated skilling programmes and financial support for higher education is a commendable initiative. These measures will not only drive economic growth, but …

Economic Survey 2023-24: Obesity crisis in India, preventive measures needed
8 months, 1 week ago

Economic Survey 2023-24: Obesity crisis in India, preventive measures needed

The Hindu  

The Economic Survey of India 2023-24, tabled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in both houses of Parliament on Monday, July 22, the first day of the Budget Session, has pointed out that improving the quality of health of India’s young population, is crucial. The ICMR had released 17 dietary guidelines, and had said, “a significant proportion of premature deaths …

Hand rocking the cradle can change India
8 months, 1 week ago

Hand rocking the cradle can change India

New Indian Express  

There was a recent report that a multinational firm in Chennai had taken a policy decision against recruiting married women. With constitutional guarantees of equality in education and employment, women in India have achieved success in educational and professional fields and broken the glass ceiling when provided with opportunities. However, a large proportion of women do encounter subtle biases when …

India’s demographic journey of hits and misses
8 months, 2 weeks ago

India’s demographic journey of hits and misses

The Hindu  

As we observe World Population Day on July 11, there is much to look at in India’s demographic journey over the decades. With 2030, the target year, drawing closer, India’s progress in the SDGs should be understood particularly in light of its population dynamics. India’s population dynamics Three components, namely fertility, mortality, and migration, play a pivotal role in shaping …

Reshaping gender roles in India: Improving women’s economic outcomes
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Reshaping gender roles in India: Improving women’s economic outcomes

Hindustan Times  

Women with children all across the globe face the daunting task of balancing career growth with caregiving responsibilities, which often leads to career stagnation and perpetuates several gender gaps in accessing decent jobs. Across G20 countries, without exception, women on average perform the majority of the daily time spent on unpaid care work, ranging from 90.5% in India to 60.2 …

Lifting the burden keeping Indian women from work
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Lifting the burden keeping Indian women from work

New Indian Express  

Women’s work participation across the world has been low and its recovery from the post-pandemic period has been slow. The International Labour Organization’s World Employment and Social Outlook Report for 2023 reflects on this persistent gender gap and pegs women’s participation in the labour market at 47.4 percent, as compared to men’s at 72.3 percent. Apart from the ILO's highlight …

Life insurance shields over 70% of urban Indian women, survey reveals
1 year ago

Life insurance shields over 70% of urban Indian women, survey reveals

Live Mint  

The latest iteration of Max Life's prominent study, the India Protection Quotient Survey, carried out in collaboration with KANTAR, the foremost marketing data and analytics company globally, highlights a significant increase in the ownership of life insurance products among women. The disparity in financial protection between men and women in urban India is largely attributed to a significant difference in …

International Women's Day 2024: 10 Health issues that almost all Indian women face
1 year ago

International Women's Day 2024: 10 Health issues that almost all Indian women face

India TV News  

Indian women encounter a range of health problems impacting their overall well-being. As International Women's Day is approaching here in this article we have explored ten common health concerns among Indian women. Anaemia: According to Dr Rekha Sharma MBBS, DNB Consultant Physician Ruby Hall Wanowrie, a prevalent health issue among Indian women, iron deficiency anaemia is often exacerbated by poor …

Women, babies, growth: ‘Not a switch that can be turned on and off’
1 year ago

Women, babies, growth: ‘Not a switch that can be turned on and off’

Hindustan Times  

Some estimates say India’s population will peak as early as the 2040s – close enough to worry about. Round 5 of the NFHS shows that India’s fertility level is below the replacement rate of 2.1 in all but five states. One is that once women decide to have fewer children, it’s not a switch that can be turned on and …

India starts survey to assess women participation in workforce
1 year, 2 months ago

India starts survey to assess women participation in workforce

The Hindu  

The Union Ministries of Labour & Employment and Women & Child Development have started a joint survey on increasing women participation in the workforce. The survey was announced by Union Minister Smriti Irani in New Delhi at a function “Women in the Workforce for Viksit Bharat” on Tuesday. Latest PLFS data The latest results of the Periodic Labour Force Survey, …

What do women farmers need in this budget?
1 year, 2 months ago

What do women farmers need in this budget?

Hindustan Times  

In the vast landscape of Indian agriculture, women play a pivotal role, constituting around 43% of agricultural labourers globally and a staggering 84% in rural India. Initiatives like the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana under the National Rural Livelihood Mission have been instrumental in acknowledging and enhancing the visibility of women farmers. As the 2024-25 budget takes shape, it must reflect …

Women are losing out to men in India’s jobless growth
1 year, 3 months ago

Women are losing out to men in India’s jobless growth

Live Mint  

The share of women in regular salaried jobs in urban India dropped from 54% in the first quarter to 52.8% in the second quarter, according to quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey data, Business Standard reported. Since salaried workers receive regular wages, that type of work is preferred to casual work or self-employment, which also includes working as unpaid household help …

Challenges and opportunities for women farmers in India
1 year, 3 months ago

Challenges and opportunities for women farmers in India

Hindustan Times  

India, a nation deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, stands firm on the pillars of its rural population. An article issued by Niti Aayog highlighted that a staggering 80% of women in these regions are deeply entwined in the rhythms of agricultural life, reinforcing their indispensable role in India's agricultural narrative. Women's leadership in agriculture can tackle gender inequality head-on, …

Burden of care work: Gender's impact on the wage gap
1 year, 5 months ago

Burden of care work: Gender's impact on the wage gap

Hindustan Times  

In 1989, Claudia Goldin became the first woman to be given tenure in the economics department at Harvard University. According to the International Labor Organization, unpaid care work is estimated to be one of the major barriers to women’s entry into the labour force. In India, conversations about recognising unpaid care work have been in the public sphere for many …

A silent burden | Who cares for women living with diabetes?
1 year, 7 months ago

A silent burden | Who cares for women living with diabetes?

The Hindu  

Let’s say the average human takes X decisions on a given day. ‘Women put their needs last’ “For a caregiver to receive care, that’s an alien concept in the Indian household,” says Nupur Lalvani, a type 1 diabetic and founder of the support group Blue Circles Diabetes Foundation. Suradha, a type 1 diabetic, uses a glucose monitoring system, and finds …

DC Edit | Women's employment a steep challenge
1 year, 7 months ago

DC Edit | Women's employment a steep challenge

Deccan Chronicle  

India is the most populous nation on earth and more than half of its people, 52 per cent to be precise, are aged below 30. Given that India’s sex ratio is almost evenly poised, about 35 crore women, a number almost equal to the whole population of the United States, belong to this group. Pit this against the current data …

More than just mothers: Why women’s and girls’ nutrition deserves our collective attention
1 year, 8 months ago

More than just mothers: Why women’s and girls’ nutrition deserves our collective attention

Hindustan Times  

Nutrition is crucial for leading a healthy and productive life. Nutrition for girls and women is a gender equity issue much beyond maternal and newborn outcomes; it involves prioritising overall quality of life for their own well-being as well as their families and communities and for achieving their full potential as a citizen of the society and country. A comprehensive …

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