Women of India: The Better Half or The Neglected Half?

Abstract

This paper provides a brief overview of the discrimination against women with special emphasis to their participation in the labour force. It is found that over the years female labour force participation rate has declined which is consistent with the feminisation U hypothesis. However, to reap the benefit of ‘demographic dividend’ by utilising the potential of the equally significant half of the population, various policies have been undertaken. Unfortunately, the picture is not yet sunny. Therefore, this study zooms in on the loopholes of the policies implemented and suggests possible improvements for better achieving the goals of the same.