1) “India stands out in the world because of shockingly low rates of recognised work participation by women (around 24 per cent) that have even declined over the past decade.” Critically examine the causes for this low rate. What measures should government take to increase work participation by women in both private and public organizations? Discuss.

By - Concerned writer

It is rightly said that true development of any nation can not be achieved , till all the sections of the society get equal say and contribute equally in its making. Women Constitute around 50% of India's Population but their contribution in the Public and Private sphere is not on par with the Male Population.
Reasons why there is less Women Participation in Recognized Work Sectors:
1.Patriarchal Mindset In India, still a Son is preferred over a daughter, this leads to many impediments in the growth of Female child. Illiteracy among women is a direct result of this.
2.Stereotypes: Many Stereotypes are attached with girls, For Ex. it is a stereotype attached with girls that women's cant do mechanized work/ Highly skilled work. This is unfortunate but a true situation that exists and causes obstruction in Women's being involved in such Activities.
3.Biological Reasons: Women's undergo Pregnancy and other biological phases which male do not undergo, this causes many women to take a break from the Job. Physical strength also acts a Hindrance.
4.Household work not recognized: Most of the Women's in rural areas are involved in the agriculture related activities in their own farm, similarly a large chunk of women's population is involved in the Household Work ,which are not recognized.
5.Poor Post Natal Infrastructure Facilities: Women after giving birth to child, have to stay at home and take care of their children due to poor availability of Day Care Facilities in many areas.
6.Machine Age : Most of the Work in this era of Globalization is becoming Mechanized and Technology driven , which reduces the need of Labour. Hence low rate of recruitment which inturn results in less recruitment of women.
Safety and Security Issues: Due to poor security arrangements and safety provisions , women tend to leave many Job's, Night Shift Jobs are not undertaken, this also narrows the base of their participation.
How Can Govt. Help in Improving Women's Participation:
1) Adequate Maternity Protection Maternity leaves should be increased. Recently Govt. has increased the Period of Maternity for both Public and Private firms but it is still somewhat Limited.
2. Provision of Post Natal Infrastructure Govt. should establish more Day care Centres so that working women do not leave their Job so as to take care of their Child.
3.Promotion of SHG's to Hinterlands SHG's are a very efficient method of improving Women's participation, Govt. has done a good job till now, but still many parts have not been adequately benefiting from these.
4.Special Focus on Women in the Startup-Policies Govt. should give preference to the Women Entrepreneurs in the new startup policy.
5.Awareness Programs/Promotion Schemes People should be made aware of this social menace of differentiation between a male and female child. Various schemes of Govt. are laudable in this respect. like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ladli Laxmi Yojana etc.
6.Promotion of Handloom/Textile Sector Handloom and Textile industries(with special focus on Women's Participation) can attract and absorb Women Section and thus can help in improvement in their status.

7. Provision of Safety Provisions/ Flexibility in Shifts: Proper Safety provisions, like Cameras, 24*7 Monitoring inside the office, Van Facility should be provided to women's, Flexibility in shifts for Women employees will be a laudable step.