Women’s participation surges, fueling India’s growth
For a long time, Indian women’s experiences were shaped by stereotypical roles that confined them mainly to the private and domestic sphere. Society expected them to be caregivers, homemakers, and nurturers, prioritizing family duties over education, careers, or leadership. Their identities were closely tied to being daughters, wives, and mothers, and venturing beyond these roles was often frowned upon. Even when women worked outside the home, they were encouraged to take up “feminine” professions such as teaching, nursing, or social work, which were seen as extensions of their nurturing role rather than independent career choices.
These stereotypes created barriers to women’s participation in areas like business, politics, science, or defense, which were traditionally considered male domains. Women who challenged these norms often faced criticism or resistance, and their achievements were sometimes undervalued. However, over time, growing access to education, changing economic needs, and reform movements have helped women push against these stereotypes, leading to broader recognition of their capabilities beyond the roles society once narrowly defined for them.
Evolving Perspectives and Policy Support for Women
Dr. B K Sarojini, Senior Professor of Industrial materials and Director (in-charge) of UGC centre for Women Studies, at Mangalore university
Dr. B K Sarojini, Senior Professor of Industrial materials and Director (in-charge) of University Grant Commission (UGC) Centre for Women Studies at Mangalore University, she is a Life member of Indian Women Scientists since 2012, and a life membership of Karavali Lekhakiyara mathu Vachakiyara sangha since 2025, said that even though the women are differently empowered based on their location and availability of the resources, there are government schemes like Stri Shakti and self-help groups are in the villages to motivate and empower some women to be engaged in the business and others to become the leaders.
She said: “Women are increasingly empowered. But there is inequality in empowerment. It depends on the availability of resources. Village side is different and city it is different. But women are getting empowered and motivated. Stri Shakti, self-help groups are there in the villages, every village. And women enrol as members there. And they mutually cooperate and start the business sometimes. Because of these government policies of self-help groups, women are going to sciences, they are going to medical fields, they are going into the unexploited or stereotypical roles. They are going to different roles like policewoman, armed force, they are now in a very high position. To a middle gender type position. Many scientists are there, you have seen the Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, was actually all women’s team did it in satellites. ISRO. All this means women are extremely empowered now. In some areas, especially in South India, women are highly empowered. In 2017 and 2018, encouraged women, they went into entrepreneurship, percentage was 21.3 now it is 40.17 after 6 years. So, high empowerment rate is there.
She credited the government for its policies to gender sensitize and adding gender budgets in states including gender protection’s, private sectors for providing the resources and opportunities to motivates and support women, educational institutions for providing knowledge and trainings, NGOs and Self -Help Groups for reaching to the grassroot levels in improving Women’s capacities, Finally, women themselves, through resilience, risk-taking, and leadership. She added that they are true changemakers, forcing all other actors to respond.
PM Modi highlights women’s role in India’s Economic Progress
On Independence Day, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, remarked that in earlier years the nation had begun paying attention to women’s self-help groups. Over the last 10 years, these groups have achieved remarkable progress, with their products now reaching markets across the world and generating business worth lakhs and crores of rupees.
He added that the nation has started recognizing the power and contribution of women to India’s growing economy, and it takes pride in their strides forward. These achievements are not limited to business alone but extend to every sector, including the space sector.
He remarked: “Today, everyone has started acknowledging the power of women in India. Our women are the beneficiaries of the growing economy, but our women have also contributed a lot in accelerating the growing economy, our mother power has contributed, our women power has contributed. Our daughters are dominating from startups to the space sector. They are dominating the sports field, shining in the army, today with pride they are participating in the country’s development journey by standing shoulder to shoulder. The nation was filled with pride when the first NDA women candidates passed out. The whole country was filled with pride; all the TV channels were following her. What a moment of great pride it was. Self Help Group, the sisters of 10 crore Self Help Groups, are doing such amazing things. Namo Drone Didi Nari Shakti became a new identity. I met a sister in the village; she says that now the villagers call her Pilot. She was saying it with great pride that she was not very educated but she had achieved status.”
“We had pledged to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didi and I am satisfied that we are working at a fast pace. We will achieve the target of 3 crore before time and today I want to happily tell the country, see the power of my Nari Shakti, two crore women have become Lakhpati Didi in no time. Today some Lakhpati Didi are sitting in front of us. This is my strength, and I believe friends, this will increase their participation in India’s development journey.” He added.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Annual Report [July 2023 – June 2024], the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for females aged 15 years and above has shown a significant increase. In 2017-18, the LFPR stood at 23.3%, which has risen to 41.7% in 2023-24. (Source: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Annual Report [July, 2023 – June, 2024]).
This remarkable progress is not only a reflection of women’s determination and resilience but also a strong sign of changing societal attitudes and supportive policies. It is an encouraging milestone that inspires continued efforts toward equality, empowerment, and inclusive growth, proving that when opportunities are given, women rise and contribute powerfully to the nation’s development.