MoSPI reports Increase in Women's Workforce in Gujarat

By: WE Staff | Tuesday, 15 April 2025

• Women and Men in India 2024 reports an impressive 8.2 percentage point growth in Women’s Workforce
• Women’s workforce in Gujarat see a significant Increase between 2021-22 and 2023-24
• 77% of Rural women are Self-employed compared to 47% of Urban women

According to the report 'Women and Men in India 2024' by the Social Statistics Department of the Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI), a significant increase in women's workforce participation in Gujarat has been witnessed. Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, women's participation in rural areas of all age groups increased from 33.9 per cent to 44.2 per cent, while urban areas saw a rise from 16.8 per cent to 22.8 per cent, marking an impressive 8.2 percentage point growth.

Meanwhile, it also shows a 1.3 percentage point increase in men's share from 60.8 per cent to 62.5 per cent in rural areas and 59.8 per cent to 60.8 per cent in urban areas. The report further noted that 77 per cent of rural women are self-employed compared to 47 per cent of urban women. However, urban women earn 50 per cent more regular wages than rural women, which stands at 7 per cent.

An Ahmedabad-based economist mentioned, "It surely is an encouraging sign that the share of women in the workforce is increasing in both urban and rural areas, but it should be seen in the perspective of a relatively longer timeframe. COVID-19 claimed many jobs while also creating newer opportunities. Many women took to small businesses to support families during the pandemic. Moreover, there is also a shift from agrarian to industrial labour demand for several rural and semi-urban areas."