Study Finds India's Female Labor Participation Trails Peers Like Malaysia and Indonesia

A study found that only one-third of Indian women are in the labor force, a rate among the lowest worldwide, even below Saudi Arabia's. The research compared this figure to East Asian economies, including Malaysia and Indonesia, where young women historically staffed factory floors for export earnings. The study suggests that the low participation is not due to lack of education, but rather a shortage of acceptable jobs close to home and seen as respectable.

India possesses a large working-age population that is projected to grow until about 2040. However, the nation's ability to realize its demographic dividend depends on how many working-age adults are employed. The current low female participation rate limits the potential size of the workforce.