Women's Employment Rate Hits 39% in 2025: Mandaviya Cites Optimistic Economic Trends

Labour and Employment Minister Highlights Rise in Women's Employment Opportunities

Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed a Swiggy event, SwigStree, on Tuesday, where he informed that the women's employment rate has increased from 22 per cent in 2017 to 39 per cent in 2025. This significant rise in work opportunities for women indicates a transformative improvement in female employment indicators under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Key statistics highlighted by the minister include a rise in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) from 23.3 per cent in 2017-18 to 40 per cent in 2025. Additionally, the Female Worker Population Ratio (FWPR) has increased from 22 per cent in 2017 to nearly 39 per cent in 2025. The Female Unemployment Rate (FUR) has declined from 5.6 per cent to 3.1 per cent, indicating that women who seek employment are now more successfully finding it.

The minister pointed out that various survey reports have indicated that women are getting more employment opportunities. He emphasized that the equitable participation of women in the workforce is both a social imperative and an economic necessity. Empowering women is central to building a Viksit Bharat, he affirmed.

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Mandaviya also highlighted the nearly three-fold expansion in India's social security coverage in the last ten years, from 19 per cent in 2015 to over 64.3 per cent in 2025. This expansion reflects the outcome of sustained policy action across domains like labour law reform, digital inclusion, and targeted welfare delivery. The Code on Social Security (CoSS) was introduced in 2020 to formally recognize gig and platform workers, many of whom are women.

The Labour Codes also provide for work-from-home provisions, maternity leave entitlements, and the establishment of crèche facilities at places of employment, measures that directly address the structural barriers that have historically prevented women from sustaining their participation in the workforce. The minister also mentioned the unique potential of gig and platform work in furthering women's economic empowerment.

At the event, Mandaviya felicitated women delivery partners across Swiggy Food Marketplace and Instamart, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and perseverance. The event brought together women delivery partners who have overcome significant socio-economic hardships to earn a dignified livelihood and support their families. The event was attended by Sriharsha Majety, co-founder and Group CEO at Swiggy, and other dignitaries.

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