UP Women’s Workforce Participation Doubled in Six Years

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is witnessing a transformative shift in its economic landscape, marked by a significant surge in women’s workforce participation.

Recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and state reports indicate that female labor force participation in India’s most populous state has nearly doubled over the last six years, reflecting the impact of targeted social and economic reforms.

A Statistical Leap in Participation

According to the latest PLFS findings, women’s participation in the workforce in Uttar Pradesh rose from approximately 14% in 2017-18 to over 32% in 2023-24.

This growth outpaces the national average improvement in several metrics, signaling a departure from traditional domestic roles toward active economic contribution.

The rise is particularly notable in rural areas, where women are increasingly engaging in non-agricultural activities and micro-entrepreneurship.

Drivers of Change: Mission Shakti and SHGs

Experts attribute this growth to the state government’s “Mission Shakti” initiative, which focuses on the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women.

A primary engine of this change has been the expansion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Currently, over 10 million women in UP are associated with various SHGs, engaging in diverse sectors such as food processing, solar lamp assembly, and the banking correspondent (BC) Sakhi model.

The BC Sakhi program alone has deployed thousands of women to provide doorstep banking services, effectively bridging the financial inclusion gap.

UP Women in Workforce: Policy Support and Skill Development

The state’s industrial and startup policies have also played a crucial role.

Incentives for women entrepreneurs, including stamp duty exemptions and dedicated venture capital funds, have encouraged more women to lead businesses.

Furthermore, the integration of vocational training in regional languages has made skill development more accessible to women in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Impact on UP State Economy

The increased participation of women is expected to be a cornerstone in Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

By bringing more women into the formal and semi-formal sectors, the state is tapping into a previously underutilized talent pool, driving local consumption and improving household income levels.

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