Women’s economic participation in India is growing across employment, entrepreneurship, manufacturing and technology, supported by government schemes focused on credit access, skill development, market opportunities and workplace inclusion.
Women are playing an increasingly important role in India’s economic development, contributing to employment, business ownership, manufacturing and emerging technology sectors. Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey highlights a steady rise in women’s participation in the labour market.
The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) increased from 23.3% in 2017–18 to 40% in 2025. Over the same period, the female Worker Population Ratio rose from 22% to 38.8%. An estimated 20 crore women aged 15 and above were employed in 2025, reflecting the expanding role of women in the country’s workforce.
These developments underline the importance of policies that improve access to jobs, strengthen professional skills and create more opportunities for women across industries.
Women’s contribution to entrepreneurship and small business development has also expanded. As of October 2026, approximately 3.69 crore women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had been registered, accounting for around 38% of total registrations.
Women are also gaining a stronger presence in India’s startup ecosystem. By March 2026, more than 1.07 lakh recognised startups had at least one woman director or partner. This participation highlights the growing role of women in building businesses, creating employment and supporting innovation.
Access to affordable finance, business development support and wider market opportunities remains important for helping women-led enterprises grow and become more competitive.
Women are increasingly contributing to sectors that require technical expertise and specialised skills. In the mobile phone manufacturing industry, women accounted for nearly 70% of the direct workforce as of July 2026.
Their participation demonstrates the potential of manufacturing to generate employment opportunities for women. At the same time, technological changes are creating demand for new capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital services and other emerging fields.
Training programmes designed around future workforce requirements can help women gain relevant skills, improve employability and access a wider range of professional opportunities.
Several government initiatives aim to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship by improving access to credit and business support.
The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) provides loans to support micro and small business activities. By April 2026, more than 57.79 crore loans had been sanctioned under the scheme, with women entrepreneurs accounting for approximately two-thirds of the total.
The scheme helps women access financing for starting or expanding businesses and supports greater participation in the formal entrepreneurial economy.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises supports eligible businesses in obtaining credit by providing guarantees to lenders. By February 2026, around 30.75 lakh guarantees worth Rs. 2.07 lakh crore had been approved for women-owned enterprises.
This support can help address financing challenges and improve opportunities for women-led businesses to invest in operations and expansion.
Access to customers and government procurement opportunities is another important factor in business growth. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) enables eligible businesses to supply goods and services to government buyers.
During FY2025–26, women-owned micro and small enterprises received contracts worth more than Rs. 28,000 crore through the platform. This represented a 27.6% increase compared with the previous financial year.
Greater participation in public procurement can help women-led enterprises expand their customer base, improve business visibility and pursue new commercial opportunities.
Workforce development initiatives are helping women prepare for changing employment requirements. Programmes such as NAVYA and AI Careers for Women focus on skill development and access to emerging occupational opportunities.
With artificial intelligence and other digital technologies transforming industries, specialised training can help women build relevant capabilities and pursue careers in technology-driven sectors.
Expanding access to training, career guidance and practical learning opportunities will be important for connecting women with new jobs and supporting long-term professional growth.
India’s four Labour Codes include provisions relating to maternity benefits, workplace safety, non-discrimination and safeguards for women working night shifts, subject to applicable conditions.
These provisions are intended to support safer and more inclusive working environments. Effective implementation, alongside awareness of workplace rights, can help women participate in employment with greater confidence.
Rising workforce participation, the growth of women-owned enterprises and increasing representation in manufacturing and technology point to women’s expanding contribution to India’s economy.
Continued efforts to improve access to finance, markets, entrepreneurship support, skills training and workplace protections can help address barriers to economic participation. Strengthening these opportunities will be essential to building a more inclusive workforce and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Conclusion
India’s rising female workforce participation and the growth of women-led enterprises highlight the increasing role of women in the country’s economic development. Government initiatives supporting financial access, entrepreneurship, skill development and workplace safety are helping create new opportunities across industries. Continued investment in education, technology training and inclusive employment policies will be essential to overcoming existing barriers and strengthening women’s economic independence. Empowering women to participate fully in the workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem will remain a key factor in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.