Silent Revolution: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has revealed that the number of women in India’s workforce has doubled over the past seven years, marking a significant shift in the nation’s labor landscape. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, Mandaviya described this change as a “silent revolution,” with women now stepping into more active roles and, in some sectors, working more hours than men. The minister credited key government initiatives for driving this transformation, reshaping women’s contributions to India’s economic growth.
Significant Rise in Women’s Workforce Participation
Addressing the public, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the rapid increase in women’s participation in India’s labor force, which has doubled since 2016. He hailed this transformation as unprecedented, stating, “India’s workforce is now witnessing what no one expected… Women are leading the charge, taking on greater responsibilities and breaking barriers like never before!”
Mandaviya highlighted that recent data indicates a substantial rise in the number of women taking up jobs across various sectors, particularly in professional, scientific, and technical fields. This data shows a major surge in women’s labor force participation, demonstrating their growing role in India’s economic landscape.
Prime Minister Modi’s Policies at the Core of the Revolution
The minister attributed the rise in women’s workforce involvement to several key initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and Skill India have been instrumental in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, skill development, and workforce participation.
Mandaviya emphasized that these policies are not merely symbolic but represent profound policy shifts. “These aren’t token policies but tectonic shifts in how we see women as drivers of India’s growth,” he noted.
Under these initiatives, women have been given increased access to financial resources, opportunities for skill development, and support for entrepreneurship. This has encouraged many women to step out of traditional roles, break barriers, and enter sectors that were once male-dominated.
Women Working More Hours Than Men in Some Sectors
BJP leader Smriti Irani also highlighted the changing dynamics of the Indian workforce, particularly in terms of working hours. She pointed out that Indian women, especially in sectors such as professional, scientific, and technical activities, are now working more hours than men. Many are putting in over 55 hours per week, surpassing their counterparts in other countries.
Irani praised Indian women for their dedication and perseverance, noting that they are no longer part of the “silent workforce” but are actively contributing more than ever. “Indian women are working themselves to the bone, putting in more hours than men across sectors,” she added, reflecting on the remarkable efforts being made by women across various industries.
The Need for Recognition and Support
While the rise in women’s workforce participation is being celebrated, Irani also stressed the need for greater acknowledgment of the sacrifices being made by women. She called on businesses, industries, and society to recognize and support these contributions, ensuring that women receive the respect and recognition they deserve.
“Prime Minister Modi has set the stage, but now it’s time for everyone to embrace the sacrifices women are making and ensure that this silent revolution becomes impossible to ignore,” Irani said.
Her comments underline the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in the workforce, ensuring that their efforts are appreciated, and that they have access to the resources they need to continue driving economic growth.
Empowerment Through Government Initiatives
Several government programs have played a pivotal role in empowering women across India. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has provided women entrepreneurs with easier access to credit, allowing them to start small businesses and contribute to their families’ incomes. Similarly, the Stand-Up India scheme supports women entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, helping them break into sectors previously dominated by men.
The Skill India initiative has also been instrumental in equipping women with the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. This program offers a range of vocational training opportunities, enabling women to pursue careers in various high-demand sectors.
The “silent revolution” described by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is a testament to the growing role of women in India’s workforce. With their participation doubling in just seven years, women are breaking traditional barriers and contributing to the nation’s economic growth in unprecedented ways.
Key government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and Skill India, have played a crucial role in driving this transformation. As women continue to work more hours and take on greater responsibilities in fields such as science, technology, and business, it is essential for society, industries, and policymakers to recognize and support their contributions.
This revolution, while silent, is shaping the future of India’s workforce, and as Smriti Irani emphasized, it is time for the nation to fully embrace and support the sacrifices and achievements of women across all sectors.