India's Government Reports Significant Increase in Women's Workforce Participation and Social Protection
On International Labour Day, the Indian government announced a significant increase in women's workforce participation and social protection coverage. According to the government, female labor force participation has risen from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025. This increase is attributed to women engaging more in income-generating activities and local enterprises, gaining access to skills, social security, and formal systems. The government also highlighted the expansion of social protection coverage from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025. Efforts to improve healthcare services under the Employees' State Insurance Scheme, such as the inauguration of an ESIC hospital in Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir, are part of this broader objective. Additionally, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission has mobilized over 10 crore women households into self-help groups, fostering entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. 
