Bridging the divide

Increasing women's workforce participation in remote areas through job reservations, skill development, and private sector incentives can drive gender equality, economic empowerment, and societal transformation across generations

- RAAVI BIRBAL

Talking about women empowerment, achieving gender equality could be accelerated to a great extent by increasing the female workforce participation rate in remote areas. While some states are already implementing measures, there is a need to reserve public sector jobs for women in remote areas even more, as well as incentivize the private sector to hire more women in regular jobs. Reserving paid apprenticeship training for women across the country in the private sector, which constitutes a major part of our economy, may also be considered.

Women's economic empowerment is the most essential ingredient for achieving gender equality and autonomy. Women's participation would enable them to have control over their lives, including their bodies, and give them an increased voice. Essentially, their meaningful participation is necessary. Taking this to remote, underdeveloped areas would empower women as a whole, including future generations. In fact, to a certain extent, it will also bridge the rural-urban divide. Moreover, since women are practically unable to engage in many hazardous or strenuous jobs, it becomes even more relevant to reserve other suitable jobs for them.