Context
The economy benefits greatly from the unpaid household work performed by women, which accounts for 7.5% of GDP despite being frequently disregarded.
   
Women's Unpaid Labor and Economic Development
·         Double weight of Unpaid Work: Indian women are subjected to the "double burden" of taking care of the home and their careers at the same time. Compared to men, this results in less free time.
·         Underappreciated Contribution: Economic figures do not account for women's unpaid labor, which includes caring for children, the ill, and the old. It stimulates the economy and makes up 5% of the GDP.
·         The System of National Accounts needs to be changed to value and acknowledge the unpaid work done by women. This will have an influence on labor laws and GDP calculations, among other things. India should push for these changes.

Obstacles Low-Income Women Face  
·         Uneven Work Schedules: Women with low incomes frequently have inconsistent work schedules, which obscures their presence in official statistics. They make a substantial contribution to family-run enterprises and struggle to find steady work.
·         Childcare and Work: Due to a lack of childcare options, moms are forced to put their children's safety and development at risk by bringing them to work. It is necessary to continue supporting and growing public initiatives like the National Creche Scheme and the Anganwadi system.
·         Urbanization Requires New Models: With India's rising urbanization, new support systems—like creches—are desperately needed to allow women to work steadily while giving their children secure environments.

Encouraging Women to Enter the Workforce  
·         Low Labor Force Participation Rate: Compared to other nations like Bangladesh and China, India's women's labor force participation rate is significantly lower. For women to feel empowered, it is essential to debunk stereotypes about their employment.
·         Fair Support Systems Are Necessary: Appreciating and appreciating women's contributions is just one aspect of the answer. Sufficient support networks, such extended daycare facilities, are necessary for women to engage completely in the workforce.
·         Reducing the Gender Divide: In addition to properly counting women's labor, equitable and easily available support structures for them must be provided if women are to see an increase in the labor force participation rate.
 
LTX Mains Question: 
Q. Examine the causes of India's low rate of female labor force participation. How can policy changes address this gender gap?