Context
·         The Economics Nobel laureate this year, Claudia Goldin, noted that "there are still large differences between women and men in terms of what they do, how they're remunerated, and so on." Goldin was recognized "for having advanced our understanding of women's labour market outcomes." 
·         Goldin's thorough examination of women's economic history has shed light on a number of previously unrecognized aspects of gender differences in the workforce.
 
Data shows low labour participation 
·         Nonetheless, the proportion of women in the labour force is still comparatively low worldwide. 
·         According to World Bank estimates, the global LFPR for women was 47.3% in 2022. 
·         The labour force participation rate (LFPR) of women in developing countries has been steadily declining, even in spite of the notable improvements in the world economies. 
·         According to the estimates, India's female labour force participation fell from 28% in 1990 to 24% in 2022.
·         This decline has hampered their development and prevented them from realizing their full potential.
·         This is demonstrated by the fact that adult women's LFPR has a U-shaped pattern during periods of economic expansion, according to economist Goldin (1994). 
  
·         Due to a multitude of factors, women's LFPR tends to decline after marriage. 
·         A number of factors influence married women's lower labour force participation or tendency to leave the workforce following marriage.
·         A variety of personal and social circumstances affect women's admission into the labour market; married women may be more affected than single women. 
·         A number of factors, including a woman's household income, geography, religion and caste connections, and prevalent social conventions regarding women working outside the home, all contribute to her low labour participation rate.

Other Challenges  
·         After getting married, women often choose to continue in their professional careers, and they show a preference for jobs that are near to their homes and provide more freedom. 
·         Married women exhibit a significantly lower employment proportion under the UPS status when compared to the UPSS status, according to an analysis of the female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) in India's NSSO Periodic Labour Force study (PLFS) study. 
·         Research on how women are allocated to different industry sectors in India shows that, when it comes to female employment, agriculture continues to be the most prevalent industry.

Way forward  
·         In this period of rapid economic expansion, it is essential to consider appropriate solutions in order to advance women's empowerment. 
·         The lack of sufficient day care facilities often serves as a deterrent for women to enter the workforce. For this reason, it is critical to improve the calibre and availability of day care facilities, or crèches, for working women from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, including both formal and informal sectors. 
·         Initiatives like the National Creche Scheme for the Children of Working Mothers have been implemented by the government. 
·         It is essential that these programs are put into place in the public and private sectors. 
·         The introduction of work environments that prioritize women's needs and well-being, the availability of safe transportation alternatives, and the growth of part-time job opportunities would all act as catalysts for women's increased engagement in India's labour market.

LTX Mains Question: 
Q. Analyze the effect of conventional gender norms on married women's lowered labor force participation rate (LFPR) in India. Provide solutions to get around the same.