Bihar's Women Labour Force: A Stagnant State of Affairs

This paper examines the gender gap in the labour force in Bihar, India, with a focus on the patterns of labour force participation rates, unemployment rates, and monthly earnings of women. The study is based on secondary data from the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the years 1993-94 to 2021-22. The main findings suggest a significant gender gap in labour force participation rates, with women having lower rates than men, especially in rural areas. The unemployment rate is also found to be higher for women compared to men, with a higher disparity in rural areas. Furthermore, the study reveals a persistent gender wage gap, with women earning significantly less than men, especially in rural areas.