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.

Actual value and historical data chart for India Ratio Of Female To Male Labor Force Participation Rate Percent National Estimate

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.

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.

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.

Actual value and historical data chart for India Labor Participation Rate Female Percent Of Female Population Ages 15 Plus

India Labour Force Participation Rate: Urban: Female data was reported at 15.900 % in 2018. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Urban: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 15.900 % from Jun 2018 (Median) to 2018, with 1 observations. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Urban: 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.

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.

Actual value and historical data chart for India Labor Force Participation Rate For Ages 15 24 Female Percent Modeled Ilo Estimate

Labor Force Participation Rate in India increased to 55.30 percent in September from 55 percent in August of 2025. This dataset provides - India Labor Force Participation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Yearly (annual) dataset of the India Female Labor Force Rate, including historical data, latest releases, and long-term trends from 1990-12-31 to 2024-12-31. Available for free download in CSV format.

The PLFS survey 2023-24 estimated that the labor force participation rate (LFPR) in urban areas increased to over ** percent, higher than the previous year but still lower than in the rural areas. Labor force participation across the country stood at just over ** percent.

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.

Actual value and historical data chart for India Labor Force Participation Rate Female Percent Of Female Population Ages 15 National Estimate

India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Aggregate Bands: Total Age data was reported at 34.389 % in 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 35.084 % for 2023. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Aggregate Bands: Total Age data is updated yearly, averaging 30.694 % from Dec 1981 (Median) to 2024, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37.710 % in 2001 and a record low of 20.746 % in 2018. India Labour Force Participation Rate: Female: Aggregate Bands: Total Age 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.

India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Urban: Female data was reported at 155.000 Person in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 146.000 Person for 2010. India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Urban: Female data is updated yearly, averaging 158.500 Person from Jun 1988 (Median) to 2012, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 178.000 Person in 2005 and a record low of 146.000 Person in 2010. India Labour Force Participation: Per 1000 Persons: Urban: Female data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Sample Survey Organisation. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.GBA016: Employment and Unemployment Survey: Labour Force Participation.

Context

In the intricate tapestry of gender disparities, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) serves as a crucial thread that weaves through the fabric of economic activity. Examining LFPR through the lens of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) sheds light on the distinctive experiences of men and women in the workforce, unraveling disparities and inequities that persist in our societies.

Male Labour Force Participation Rate: For men, the LFPR becomes a gauge of economic engagement and contribution to societal progress. Traditionally, societal expectations have often encouraged a high male LFPR, positioning men as primary breadwinners. The index, when analyzed within the context of GII, reveals not only the quantity but also the quality of male participation in the workforce. High LFPR for men might suggest economic activity, but it doesn't necessarily capture the nuances of workplace gender dynamics, occupational segregation, or disparities in income.

Female Labour Force Participation Rate: Conversely, the LFPR for women emerges as a pivotal indicator of empowerment and gender equality. A rising female LFPR signals a departure from traditional norms, reflecting increased opportunities, access to education, and a broader recognition of women's roles in society. However, the GII prompts a deeper examination, delving into the quality of female participation. Disparities may persist in terms of wage gaps, representation in leadership roles, and challenges related to work-life balance.

Content

This dataset provides comprehensive historical data on gender development indicators at a global level. It includes essential columns such as ISO3 (the ISO3 code for each country/territory), Country (the name of the country or territory), Continent (the continent where the country is located), Hemisphere (the hemisphere in which the country is situated), Human Development Groups, UNDP Developing Regions, HDI Rank (2021) representing the Human Development Index Rank for the year 2021 and Labour force participation rate for male and female (% ages 15 and older) spanning from 1990 to 2021.

Dataset Glossary (Column-wise)

• ISO3 - ISO3 for the Country/Territory
• Country - Name of the Country/Territory
• Continent - Name of the Continent
• Hemisphere - Name of the Hemisphere
• Human Development Groups - Human Development Groups
• UNDP Developing Regions - UNDP Developing Regions
• HDI Rank (2021) - Human Development Index Rank for 2021
• Labour force participation rate, male and female (% ages 15 and older) from 1990 to 2021 - Labour force participation rate for male and female from 1990 to 2021

Data Dictionary

• UNDP Developing Regions:
  • SSA - Sub-Saharan Africa
  • LAC - Latin America and the Caribbean
  • EAP - East Asia and the Pacific
  • AS - Arab States
  • ECA - Europe and Central Asia
  • SA - South Asia

Structure of the Dataset

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Acknowledgement

This Dataset is created from Human Development Reports. This Dataset falls under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 IGO License. You can check the Terms of Use of this Data. If you want to learn more, visit the Website.

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Replication code for Caste, Religion and the Labor Force Participation of Women: Evidence from India. The data used in this paper- National Sample Survey on employment and Unemployment and Periodic Labour force Survey- is owned by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), India. Available on payment of fees to MOSPI. The code below replicates the tables in the main paper and the appendix. Please email the author for any additional clarifications.

From January to April 2023, the total labor force of Rajasthan comprised **** million people, of which **** million were males and *** million were female. The state presents a stark gender gap in labor participation, with females accounting for merely *** percent of the labor force.

The Periodic Labor Force Survey conducted from July 2022 to June 2023 found that over ** percent of mothers in India quit or are out of the workforce. The labor force participation rate among rural mothers was higher than their urban counterparts. On average, the labor force participation was highest for mothers when the child was in the age***********************. Policy attention to childcare and maternity leave policies could help reduce the number of mothers out of the workforce.