INDIA HAS ONE of the youngest populations in the world, with nearly 65 per cent of its people below the age of 35. Yet women labour force participation remains significantly lower than men. According to Periodic Labour Force Sur vey (PLFS) d a t a , w o m e n par ticipation h a s improved in recent years, crossing 37 per cent in 2023 – 24, but it continues to lag behind male participation and global averages. Various studies suggest that if women participated in the economy at the same rate as men, India’s GDP could expand substantially over the next decade, potentially adding hundreds of billions of dollars to national output. To reap the full benefit of this demographic dividend, it is imperative to onboard women across the value chain, from shop floors to boardrooms.
Several states have introduced conducive policies to enable this shift. Tamil Nadu, in particular, has emerged as a model through initiatives such as the Vidiyal Payanam Scheme, Pudhumei Penn Thittam and the Vazhanthu Kattuvom Scheme. A NITI Aayog report notes that Tamil Nadu has the highest share of women borrowers at 44 per cent, with women accounting for 21.12 per cent of total bank advances, far exceeding the minimum 5 per cent target encouraged nationally.
Yet challenges persist. Despite rising par ticipation in manufacturing and global supply chains, leadership representation remains minimal. With only about 1 per cent of board-level positions held by women, structural barriers continue to limit advancement.
Industrial Economist speaks to women achievers across sectors on what empowerment truly means and what must change to enable them further.