Within the government’s Rs 3 trillion initiative to empower women in the workplace

India is undergoing a transformative change as the nation continues to support and empower women across all sectors of society. In line with this, the Union Budget 2024 is a milestone in India’s quest to gender equityWith a substantial sum of Rs 3 trillion dedicated to initiatives specifically targeting women, the government is not only allocating funds but is also laying the groundwork for long-term systemic change. These funds are channelled to critical areas such as Skill development, entrepreneurshipand infrastructure that directly impact women’s ability to enter, remain, and thrive in the workforce.

By addressing the barriers that have traditionally kept women out of certain industries and jobs, the budget allocations aim to dismantle long-standing obstacles that contribute to gender inequality. It also moves towards ensuring necessary support structures such as childcare and safe accommodation for women, helping them achieve their dreams and career ambitions. This year’s budget has laid the foundation for a more inclusive economy where women are not just participants, but leaders, contributing to India’s development and growth.

Skills development and employment opportunities
The 2024 budget focuses on enhancing women’s skills development. By increasing funding for training programmes in high-demand sectors, the government aims to equip women with the skills needed to secure and excel in jobs across all sectors. This targeted approach will open up new employment opportunities for women, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as manufacturing. The initiative seeks to diversify the workforce and promote gender balance across all sectors.

Empowering Women entrepreneurs
Another important aspect of this budget is support for women-led self-help groups. The government is providing financial assistance and market access initiatives to help these groups integrate into larger supply chains. This support enables women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, gain economic independence, and contribute more meaningfully to the economy. Additionally, the focus on digital literacy among women will empower them to use online platforms, improving their business operations and market reach.

Addressing Work-life balance

Women often face difficulties in balancing their work and personal lives, which can lead to them quitting their jobs or not pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. To address this issue, the government is setting up working women’s hostels and daycare centers to provide a safe and supportive environment for women in the workforce, in line with Budget 2024. These facilities are designed to address concerns related to safety and childcare, which are common barriers to women’s participation in the workforce. By offering these essential services, the Indian government is taking a crucial step towards ensuring that women continue their careers while managing family responsibilities.How to overcome accommodation challenges
In most cases, when women receive job opportunities in distant locations, finding suitable accommodation becomes a major challenge. This is especially true in the case of manufacturing units, which are usually located on the outskirts of cities or in designated industrial centres that often lack adequate housing options. As a result, at least 25% of women reject job offers when they realise that there is no suitable accommodation available. The budget addresses the problem of lack of accommodation with the introduction of better housing solutions. It will potentially reduce school dropout rates, thereby enabling more women to take up and retain employment. This initiative is crucial to increasing female participation, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

In addition, collaboration with industry partners, supported by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, is essential to refurbishing workplace facilities. These partnerships ensure that new facilities and support services meet the specific needs of women in the workforce. By working together, government and the private sector can create a more inclusive work environment that supports Gender diversity.

Looking to the future
Through Budget 2024, the Indian government has taken significant steps to promote gender inclusion and empower women in the Indian workforce. By focusing on skill development, entrepreneurship, and work-life balance, the government is paving the way for women to thrive in various industries. This budget represents a crucial effort to break the glass ceiling and move closer to gender parity in the workplace. As India moves forward, women will play an increasingly vital role in the country’s development and its vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2027-28, making gender equity not just a goal but a reality.

The author of the article is Subburathinam P, CSO at Staffing, TeamLease Ltd. Services