The economic participation of women in the rapidly growing economy of India has been studied by many scholars from various aspects. However, the issue of persistent disparity between rural and urban female engagement remains a critical area of concern. The concern is not only a national phenomenon, but is also pronounced at the state level. Gujarat, India’s highly advanced and industrial state with robust growth, has experienced a rise in female employment in recent years (after 2017-18). However, the state also faces the growing regional differences in female employment. The study is based on the secondary data from National Sample Survey (NSS) rounds and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reports, providing a longitudinal analysis of employment indicators spanning from 2011-12 to 2023-24. It also focuses on the determinants of female employment with respect to regional variations. Results show that female employment is not only determined by economic transformation, but also by various socio-cultural, regional, and household forces, which hinder females’ economic participation differently in rural and urban regions. These non-economic barriers often offset the gains made through industrialisation and development. Also, this paper argues for policy interventions to promote skill enhancement among females and thereby generate employment opportunities for females. Consequently, the paper argues that bridging the rural-urban employment gap requires more than just growth; it necessitates targeted policy interventions focused on skill diversification, vocational training, and the removal of mobility barriers. By addressing these unique regional challenges, the state can promote a more inclusive labour market that effectively supports its female human capital.
Nisha Kakadiya (Fri,) studied this question.
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