The female labor force participation rate in India increased by *** percentage points (*************) in 2024. While the growth is slowing down, with 32.8 percent, the rate is at its peak in the observed period. Female labor force participation is the share of women over 15 years who are economically active. For example, all women providing labor in a specific period for the production of goods and services.

India: Female labor force participation rate: The latest value from 2024 is 32.8 percent, an increase from 31.24 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 51.13 percent, based on data from 176 countries. Historically, the average for India from 1990 to 2024 is 30.43 percent. The minimum value, 26 percent, was reached in 2020 while the maximum of 34.85 percent was recorded in 2005.

The statistic represents the female labor force participation rate calculated from the results of a 2015 survey among households in India. The survey was conducted between April and December 2015, and the results were broken down by state and union territory. The LFPR among females in the union territory of Chandigarh was the highest, followed by the state of Chhattisgarh with approximately ** percent during the surveyed time period.

Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate (%) (national estimate) in India was reported at 45.92 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Ratio of female to male labor force participation rate (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

In a survey conducted between July 2023 and June 2024, the rate of labor participation for the urban male population was over ** percent compared to the over ** percent rate among females. The rate of labor participation in rural areas was lower across genders.

The average for 2024 based on 11 countries was 55.17 percent. The highest value was in Cambodia: 73.96 percent and the lowest value was in India: 32.8 percent. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) (modeled ILO estimate) in India was reported at 32.8 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Labor participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data was reported at 17.500 % in 2018. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 17.500 % from Jun 2018 (Median) to 2018, with 1 observations. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Statistics Office. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.GBA004: Periodic Labour Force Survey: Annual: Labour Force Participation Rate: Usual Status.

Graph and download economic data for Labor Force Participation Rate - Women (LNS11300002) from Jan 1948 to Jul 2025 about participation, females, 16 years +, labor force, labor, household survey, rate, and USA.

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region shows wide variation in estimated female labor force participation rates (LFPR) among women aged between 15 and 64 years for 2024. North Korea had the highest estimated LFPR in APAC, at about ** percent. Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore had some of the highest female LFPR in the region, while South Asian countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, and India had some of the lowest shares of women in the labor force. This stark contrast highlights the diverse economic and social landscapes across the region, reflecting varying levels of gender equality and women's empowerment. More opportunities for women? With growing emphasis on gender equality, women across the Asia-Pacific region have gained greater access to education and professional opportunities. Notably, in 2022, many countries across the region had a higher female to male ratio in tertiary education. However, gender inequality in access to opportunities persists, as the proportion of young women not in education, employment, or training (NEET) is significantly higher than the overall youth NEET rate across APAC countries. This disparity is especially pronounced in South Asia, where deep-rooted cultural, social, and economic barriers continue to limit women’s full participation in the workforce. Women in positions of power Despite efforts to advance gender equality, women are still underrepresented in decision-making positions in many governments across the Asia-Pacific region. As such, there was a much lower female representation in ministerial level positions in most APAC countries, compared to that of men. However, New Zealand and Australia stand out for exhibiting a more balanced gender representation in political leadership.

Labor Force Participation Rate in India remained unchanged at 50.40 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 50.40 percent in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - India Labor Force Participation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about India Labour Force Participation Rate

• India Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 45.1 % in Dec 2024, compared with 42.4 % in the previous year.
• India Labour Force Participation Rate is updated yearly, available from Dec 1990 to Dec 2024, with an average rate of 57.4 % .
• The data reached the an all-time high of 60.1 % in Dec 2000 and a record low of 36.9 % in Dec 2018.
• India Labour Force Participation Rate is reported by reported by CEIC Data.
• In the latest reports, India Population reached 1,408.0 million people in Mar 2025.
• Unemployment Rate of India increased to 7.1 % in Dec 2020.

The average for 2024 based on 176 countries was 51.13 percent. The highest value was in Madagascar: 82.56 percent and the lowest value was in Yemen: 4.91 percent. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2024. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

As per a survey conducted across the country among students, the participation at work for men in India was expected to be ** percent in 2024, a decrease from the participation rate in 2023. A fluctuating trend emerged in the participation rate of this segment of India's workforce since 2016. Meanwhile, the participation at work for women in the organized sector increased from ** percent in 2023 to ** percent in 2024 but still a wide gender gap persists.

Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) (national estimate) in India was reported at 35.08 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+) (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Current Weekly Status: Rural: Female data was reported at 215.000 Person in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 231.000 Person for 2010. India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Current Weekly Status: Rural: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 247.000 Person from Jun 1988 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 287.000 Person in 2005 and a record low of 215.000 Person in 2012. India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Current Weekly Status: Rural: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Sample Survey Organisation. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Labour Market – Table IN.GBA016: Employment and Unemployment Survey: Labour Force Participation.

How did the 1918 influenza pandemic affect female labor force participation in India over the short run and the medium run? We use an event-study approach at the district level and four waves of decadal census data in order to answer this question. We find that districts most adversely affected by influenza mortality saw a temporary increase in female labor force participation in 1921, an increase that was concentrated in the service sector. We find suggestive evidence that distress labor supply by widows and rising wages help account for this result.

Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24, female (%) (national estimate) in India was reported at 17.45 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Labor force participation rate for ages 15-24, female (national estimate) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-64 data was reported at 36.770 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 37.493 % for 2023. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-64 data is updated yearly, averaging 31.211 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2024, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 38.940 % in 2001 and a record low of 22.039 % in 2018. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Youth Adults: Aged 15-64 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Labour Organization. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.ILO.LFS: Labour Force Participation Rate: By Sex and Age: Annual.

Differences in relative female employment by soil texture are used to explain the heterogeneous deficit of female children across districts within India. Soil texture varies exogenously and determines the depth of land tillage. Deep tillage, possible in loamy but not in clayey soil textures, reduces the demand for labor in agricultural tasks traditionally performed by women. Girls have a lower economic value where female labor opportunities are fewer. Consistently, higher relative female employment in agriculture improves the ratio of female to male children in districts that have a smaller fraction of loamy relative to clayey soils.