A Study on the Changing Role of Women in the Economy (2015-2025)

A Study on the Changing Role of Women in the Economy (2015-2025) Grishma Ameet Deshpande Assistant Professor, MBA Dept., H. N. College of Commerce, Solapur Abstract Women in India have historically encountered cultural, social, and economic constraints that limited their participation in the workforce. In recent years, however, there has been a significant shift toward recognizing women’s vital contribution to economic development. Women’s empowerment enhances autonomy, expands access to opportunities, and strengthens decision-making capacity at personal, professional, and societal levels, thereby fostering inclusive growth. The transformation reflects a gradual dismantling of traditional barriers and the realization of women’s potential as key drivers of national progress. Empowerment is not merely about equality in work valuation but about achieving balance between domestic responsibilities and professional engagement. It also calls for a societal mindset change where all forms of work are respected without gender bias. Despite women influencing over half of consumer purchasing decisions in India, their proportional contribution to macroeconomic indicators such as GDP and GNP remains underexplored. This study examines women’s economic contribution, employment generation, and impact on living standards in India during 2015–2025. Keywords: Women’s Economic Participation, Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Workforce Inclusion, Economic Development, GDP Contribution, Employment Generation