The “Women and Men in India 2024” report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), provides an in-depth overview of gender-specific data across various sectors in India. It offers valuable insights into the progress made and the persistent challenges women face. The report highlights advancements in education, financial inclusion, political participation, and health, while also addressing ongoing disparities, particularly in employment, leadership roles, and rural-urban access. The following analysis delves into the key findings, their implications, and areas requiring further intervention.
Key Findings from the Report
1. Education – Gender Parity Trends
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
- The GPI across education levels remains above 1.00, indicating higher female enrolment than male students.
- Primary Level: 1.03
- Upper Primary Level: 1.02
- Higher Secondary Level: 1.02
- Implication: Girls are increasingly participating in education at all levels, showcasing progress in gender parity in education.
2. Labour Force Participation (15+ years)
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
- Increased from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
- Implication: More women are joining the workforce, signifying improved economic participation and empowerment.
3. Banking Access and Financial Inclusion
Bank Accounts and Deposits
- Women hold 39.2% of total bank accounts and contribute to 39.7% of aggregate deposits in 2023-24.
- Rural women account for 42.2% of bank accounts, indicating greater financial independence in rural areas.
- Implication: Women are increasingly engaging in formal financial systems, enhancing their economic autonomy.
4. Stock Market Engagement
Growth in DEMAT Accounts
- Total DEMAT accounts surged from 33.26 million in 2021 to 143.02 million in 2024.
- Female account holders increased from 6.67 million to 27.71 million, a 4.2x increase over three years.
- Implication: The rise in women’s participation in the stock market reflects growing financial literacy and investment interest among women.
5. Entrepreneurship
Female-led Enterprises
- Share of Female-led Proprietary Establishments
- The share of female-led establishments in manufacturing, trade, and services increased from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
- Implication: There is a notable rise in women’s entrepreneurship, suggesting improved access to resources and opportunities in the business sector.
6. Political Participation – Voting Trends
Female Voter Turnout
- Female voter turnout reached 65.8% in the 2024 elections, nearly matching the male turnout of 65.5%.
- Implication: Women’s political participation is on the rise, with female voters playing an equal role in democratic processes.
7. Women-led Startups
Growth of Women-led Startups
- Startups with at least one woman director rose from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024, a growth of over 800%.
- Implication: The increase in women-led startups reflects the success of policies promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.
8. Health and Fertility Trends
Health and Life Expectancy
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined to 2.0 in 2023, signaling a decrease in birth rates.
- Female life expectancy increased to 71.3 years, suggesting improvements in women’s health outcomes.
- Implication: Women’s health has improved, marked by better fertility control and longer life expectancy.
Analysis of the Report
Positives in the Report
- Digital Inclusion: Significant increases in DEMAT accounts and bank account ownership by women, showing growing financial empowerment.
- Educational Equity: Consistent GPI above 1.0 across various education levels indicates progress in reducing the gender gap in education.
- Political and Societal Engagement: The rise in female voter turnout and women-led startups points to greater female participation in governance and business.
- Improved Labour Participation: The notable increase in female LFPR is indicative of higher formal sector inclusion.
Persistent Gaps and Concerns
- Sectoral Employment Gaps: Women are still concentrated in low-paid, informal sectors, limiting their economic advancement.
- Digital Divide: The gender gap in stock market participation persists, with women holding significantly fewer DEMAT accounts than men.
- Under-representation in Leadership: Women are still underrepresented in senior leadership roles in corporations and politics, despite advances in education and entrepreneurship.
- Rural-Urban Imbalance: Women in rural areas face slower progress in digital literacy, internet access, and healthcare compared to their urban counterparts.
Way Forward
- Skilling and Employment: Focus on upskilling women and creating formal job opportunities in high-value sectors such as IT, green energy, and digital finance.
- Leadership Inclusion: Implement affirmative actions to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies, especially in corporate and political leadership.
- Digital and Financial Literacy: Expand outreach programs to improve financial and digital literacy among rural women.
- Gender Data Monitoring: Establish a Gender Data Monitoring Dashboard for tracking real-time progress and more effective policymaking.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | “Women and Men in India 2024” Report Released by MoSPI |
| Sector | Key Findings | Implications |
| Education Gender Parity Index | > 1.00 in primary, upper primary, and higher secondary levels | Improved access to education for girls, reducing gender disparity in education. |
| Labour Force Participation (LFPR) | Female LFPR increased from 49.8% (2017-18) to 60.1% (2023-24) | More women entering the workforce, enhancing economic participation. |
| Banking Access | Women hold 39.2% of total bank accounts and 39.7% of aggregate deposits | Greater financial autonomy for women, especially in rural areas. |
| Stock Market Female | DEMAT account holders increased 4.2x from 6.67 million to 27.71 million | Rising interest in investments and financial literacy among women. |
| Entrepreneurship | Increase in female-headed enterprises in manufacturing, trade, and services | More women entering the business sector, indicating progress in entrepreneurship. |
| Political Participation | Female voter turnout reached 65.8% in 2024 | Increased participation of women in democratic processes and decision-making. |
| Women-led Startups | Female-led startups grew from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024 | Growth in women’s entrepreneurial ventures, fostering inclusive business ecosystems. |
| Health and Fertility | TFR declined to 2.0 and life expectancy increased to 71.3 years | Better health outcomes for women, with improved fertility control and longer life expectancy. |
