India has witnessed a substantial increase in social protection coverage, rising from about 19 percent in 2015 to over 64 percent in 2025. Additionally, female labor force participation has surged from 23.3 percent in 2017–18 to 40 percent in 2025. The government highlighted that women are progressively taking on leadership roles and engaging in income-generating activities and local enterprises.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, female labor force participation has seen a significant uptick, climbing from 23.3 percent in 2017–18 to 40 percent in 2025. Notably, rural India is at the forefront of this transformation, indicating a fundamental change in how women participate in the workforce, transitioning from occasional contributors to consistent economic contributors.
The government emphasized that the increased female participation signifies a broader expansion of job opportunities and a move towards formalization in the labor market. Efforts by the government are evident in the enhancement of healthcare services through the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, with the inauguration of an ESIC hospital in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir, benefiting over 50,000 workers and their families.
Expanding access to provident fund, insurance, and healthcare has been particularly beneficial for women, who are more likely to be engaged in informal employment. Women across rural India are venturing beyond traditional roles into entrepreneurship on a significant scale. Through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission, more than 10 crore women households have been mobilized into self-help groups.
The government’s policy initiatives to boost women-led enterprises include programs like the Lakhpati Didi program, aiming to empower millions of women entrepreneurs to earn over Rs 1 lakh annually, with increased access to credit, skills, and market connections. India’s startup ecosystem, comprising over 2.2 lakh recognized startups, has created over 23.3 lakh jobs, with more than 1 lakh startups having at least one woman director.
