How Is Govt Advisory Forging A Path For Inclusive Workforce Equality

The Union government, in a concerted effort to bolster women's participation in the workforce and advance gender equality, has issued a series of advisories through key ministries. Notably, the Ministries of Labour & Employment, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Road Transport & Highways jointly released advisories aiming to foster the inclusion of women in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

Driving Women's Empowerment: Government's Inclusive Workforce Initiatives

A pivotal event named Saksham Nari, Saksham Bharat was co-hosted by the Ministry of Women & Child Development and Ministry of Labour & Employment. Union ministers Smriti Irani and Bhupender Yadav chaired the event, outlining a comprehensive strategy for women-led development through collaborative efforts across ministries.

Minister Smriti Irani lauded the Ministry of Labour & Employment's initiatives, particularly applauding the direct online payments into the accounts of women construction workers to eliminate exploitation. Emphasising the government's commitment to women's empowerment, she highlighted the importance of facilities for migrant women workers.

The Ministry of Women & Child Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, submitted a joint proposal advocating for hostels within Central Universities to accommodate working women engaged in higher studies. Minister Irani stressed the government's digital initiatives, noting that over 24 crore women across the country now have bank accounts.

Union minister Bhupender Yadav underscored the need for equal opportunities for women in the economy and highlighted legislative measures aimed at improving the living standards of women workers. While noting the positive trajectory of women's workforce participation at 37% in 2022, he emphasized the collective responsibility to further enable women's participation.

The advisory on construction workers mandates 26 weeks of maternity leave, reflecting a commitment to support women in the workforce. Arti Ahuja, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, outlined various government initiatives implemented over the past decade, including amendments to the Maternity Benefit Act and significant disbursements for maternity benefits through the Employees' State Insurance (ESI).

Indevar Pandey, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, highlighted the ministry's mandate to create an ecosystem conducive to increased women's workforce participation. The government's advisories encompass measures from gender-neutral recruitment practices to the establishment of working women hostels and creche facilities, aiming to address barriers hindering women's participation in the workforce, such as childcare responsibilities and gender pay gaps.

In essence, these government initiatives are geared towards ensuring safety, dignity, and equitable opportunities for women workers across diverse industries, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future.