Women’s Labour Participation In UP Hits 7-Year High Amid Policy Push, WEE Data Shows

More women across the state are stepping into the workforce, supported by an ecosystem that encourages their inclusion in both traditional and modern sectors

One of the most transformative reforms has been the removal of restrictions on women working in hazardous industries

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Uttar Pradesh is undergoing a historic transformation in women’s economic empowerment. As per the recently released Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Index, the state’s female labor force participation rate has soared from just 14 per cent in 2017–18 to 36 per cent in 2023–24, a 22-per cent increase in seven years.

More women across the state are stepping into the workforce, supported by an ecosystem that encourages their inclusion in both traditional and modern sectors.

The credit for this upward trend is being widely attributed to the Government’s focused policies aimed at empowering women through skill development, financial inclusion, self-employment schemes, and enhanced workplace safety. From the launch of Mission Shakti to prioritising women in government jobs and facilitating night shift work, the state has witnessed a deliberate push toward making workplaces more inclusive.

One of the most transformative reforms has been the removal of restrictions on women working in hazardous industries. Previously, only 12 of 29 such factory categories were open to women under conditional permission. That number was later extended to 16, and now, all 29 sectors are accessible to female workers, provided employers adhere to safety and welfare guidelines.

Workplace Inclusion And Night Shift Reforms

The Uttar Pradesh government has also permitted women to work night shifts across industries — an option rarely available before. Employers are mandated to provide transport, meals, safety, and rest facilities to ensure a secure environment for women during night hours. This has opened new job opportunities in sectors that require 24/7 operations, such as IT, hospitality, and manufacturing.

Women Now Active Across Sectors

According to the Labour and Employment Department, women currently constitute 53 per cent of registrations on the e-Shram portal, with 34.65 per cent participation in the construction sector — once dominated almost entirely by men. These numbers point to a changing narrative, where women are not only entering the workforce but are also making their presence felt in high-demand and labor-intensive sectors.

The formation of over 10 lakh self-help groups (SHGs), connecting more than 1 crore women to income-generating activities, has further boosted entrepreneurship and financial independence among women in both rural and urban areas.

In 2017–18, Uttar Pradesh’s female labor force participation lagged far behind the national average of 25 per cent, sitting at just 14 per cent. Today, while the national average stands at 45 per cent, UP’s 36 per cent reflects rapid progress and a narrowing gap that was once considered daunting.