Introduction
The status of women in the economy is a critical indicator of gender equality and overall societal development. Both nationally and internationally, women contribute significantly to economic growth, yet they continue to face multiple barriers including wage disparities, limited access to opportunities, and lack of recognition for unpaid labor. This essay explores the national and international scenarios of women in the economy using feminist scholarship to analyze challenges, progress, and pathways for change.
Global Status of Women in the Economy
Globally, women make up almost half of the world’s labor force, but their contributions are disproportionately underpaid and undervalued. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (2023), the global gender parity in economic participation and opportunity remains far from ideal. Women are overrepresented in informal, part-time, or low-paid sectors such as caregiving, hospitality, and retail.
Feminist scholars like Diane Elson argue that mainstream economics often fails to account for the unpaid labor women perform at home—work that is essential for the functioning of the economy. This invisibility is a major reason for the systemic undervaluation of women’s contributions.
National Status: Women in the Indian Economy
In India, the female labor force participation rate (FLFPR) has remained low, hovering around 20% according to recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). Despite economic growth, women’s participation in the formal economy has declined over the decades. Much of women’s work remains concentrated in agriculture, domestic labor, and informal enterprises.
Feminist economist Jayati Ghosh points out that India’s economic growth has not translated into equitable employment opportunities for women. She argues that unpaid and unrecognized labor, particularly in caregiving and subsistence farming, contributes significantly to the economy but is not measured in national statistics like GDP.
Barriers Faced by Women
1. Unpaid Care Work
One of the biggest challenges women face globally and in India is the burden of unpaid care work. According to Oxfam India (2020), Indian women spend 312 minutes per day on unpaid care work compared to 29 minutes by men. This unequal division of labor restricts women’s mobility and their ability to engage in paid employment.
2. Wage Disparity
Women are paid less than men for the same work across most sectors. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports a global gender wage gap of around 20%. In India, this gap is even wider in some sectors, reflecting deep-rooted patriarchal norms.
3. Informal and Precarious Employment
Women are more likely to be in informal employment, lacking job security, benefits, and legal protection. This includes domestic work, home-based industries, and agricultural labor. These jobs are often excluded from labor laws and social security benefits.
4. Social Norms and Patriarchy
Patriarchal attitudes continue to restrict women’s access to education, employment, and decision-making roles. Gender-based violence, harassment at the workplace, and lack of safe public transport further limit women’s economic engagement.
Progress and Positive Developments
- Rise of Women Entrepreneurs: India has seen a rise in women-led startups and small enterprises, supported by schemes like MUDRA Yojana and Stand-Up India.
- Education and Skill Development: More women are entering higher education, particularly in STEM fields.
- Legal Reforms: Acts like the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 and Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 provide some legal safeguards.
International Efforts and Comparison
Countries like Iceland, Norway, and Sweden lead the world in gender equality due to strong family policies, state-supported childcare, and high political representation of women. Rwanda has more women in parliament than men, showing how policy interventions can lead to tangible outcomes.
In contrast, many developing nations struggle with cultural and structural barriers that hinder women’s participation in the workforce. However, international organizations like UN Women and ILO are working with governments to promote gender-responsive budgeting, equal pay, and women’s representation in leadership.
Feminist Scholarship and Theoretical Insights
Feminist theories have provided crucial insights into the economic marginalization of women:
- Diane Elson: Advocated for counting unpaid care work in national accounts.
- Silvia Federici: Highlighted how capitalism relies on the exploitation of unpaid domestic labor.
- Naila Kabeer: Emphasized empowerment through access to resources, agency, and achievements.
- Amartya Sen: Proposed the capability approach, focusing on real freedoms and choices.
Pathways for Change
- Recognize and reduce unpaid care work through policies like paid maternity leave and universal childcare.
- Implement equal pay laws and monitor compliance.
- Expand access to skill development and digital literacy.
- Encourage political and corporate leadership roles for women.
- Include women’s voices in economic policy-making.
Conclusion
The status of women in the economy, both nationally and internationally, reflects broader social and structural inequalities. Feminist scholarship helps us understand these disparities and provides a framework for transformation. Whether it’s through legal reform, social policy, or grassroots mobilization, improving women’s economic status is not just a gender issue—it’s a societal and developmental imperative. For economies to be inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, women must be recognized as equal economic agents, not just as workers but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.