Why Women’s Safety Is Key to Unlocking India’s Economic Potential
Dear Readers,
As we continue to explore the important issues that affect women globally, I want to discuss a topic that’s both crucial and timely—how women’s safety in India could be the key to unlocking the country’s economic potential.
On a global scale, we often hear about the rise of emerging economies like India, a country with immense potential, resources, and talent. However, one of the most overlooked but critical aspects holding India back from reaching its full potential is the low participation of women in the workforce. What’s the root cause? As Gita Gopinath, the deputy director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), so accurately points out: women in India simply do not feel safe enough to work.
Gita herself is a remarkable exception to this trend, holding one of the most powerful positions in global finance. But even she recognizes that her story is far from the norm. In fact, India is one of the countries where the largest percentage of women are kept out of the workforce—primarily due to safety concerns. This reality isn't just a social issue; it's an economic one that could drastically affect India's future.
The Untapped Potential of Indian Women
Imagine this: according to the World Bank, if the percentage of women in India's workforce rose to 50%, the country’s GDP could grow by 1.5% annually. That’s a huge economic boost for a nation striving to become an advanced economy by 2047, as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furthermore, if women worked at the same rate as men, India’s GDP could be 30% higher—numbers that were backed by Christine Lagarde during her tenure as IMF’s director.
However, many Indian women face severe societal and safety challenges that keep them confined to their homes. From deeply rooted cultural practices like dowry to the horrifying threat of violence, families often discourage their wives, daughters, and sisters from pursuing jobs simply to "keep them safe." But this lack of opportunity is not just about missing out on income—it's about missing out on dignity, autonomy, and a chance to stand up for themselves.
The Role of Safety in Workforce Participation
One of the most significant barriers to women entering and staying in the workforce in India is safety. A recent tragic example underscores this issue: a 31-year-old doctor in Kolkata was raped and murdered after working an exhausting 36-hour shift. Stories like this are too common and are one reason why many Indian families refuse to let their women work outside the home, especially in unsafe environments.
According to the Georgetown Institute’s Women Peace and Security Index, India ranked 128th out of 177 countries for women’s safety in 2023. To make matters worse, the percentage of women over the age of 15 who felt safe walking alone at night dropped from 65% in 2017 to just 58% in 2023. Compare that with countries like Vietnam, where the percentage increased from 53% to nearly 80%, or China, which saw a jump from 72.5% to over 90%. The numbers don’t lie: Indian women are not feeling safer; they’re feeling more vulnerable.
In response, 24 out of India’s 36 states have imposed restrictions on women working night shifts, and 11 states prohibit it altogether. While these measures are intended to "protect" women, they do more harm than good by severely limiting employment opportunities.
Economic Opportunities and the Need for Change
What’s particularly frustrating is that the demand for female workers exists. Major tech giants like Apple and Samsung, looking to shift their production out of China, have expressed a preference for hiring women due to their focus and skill in electronics manufacturing. Yet, the stigma surrounding women’s participation in the workforce still persists. Many Indian business owners continue to believe that women are less committed to their jobs than men, further limiting their opportunities.
Southern states in India, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are showing what progress can look like. These states have been investing more in education, healthcare, and mobility for women, and as a result, they employ more than three-quarters of India’s working women. On the corporate front, companies like Tata Group and Hindustan Unilever are starting to increase female recruitment. But it's not enough.
A potential game-changer, as suggested by Radhicka Kapoor from the International Labour Organization, is increasing job opportunities in healthcare and caregiving sectors—fields where Indian women already feel comfortable. These sectors are less likely to be impacted by AI and automation and can offer dignified, well-paying jobs.
Changing the Culture: The True Solution
While the government and private sectors can provide opportunities, the real solution lies in changing the culture. As Poonam Gupta, director of the National Council of Applied Economic Research, points out, India must ensure that women feel safe in every space they enter—whether it's a workplace, a street, or even public transportation. While technology like safety apps and surveillance cameras can help, true change will come only when India confronts the root of the problem: a culture that still allows, and in some ways perpetuates, male violence against women.
Empowering women to work is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. When women are protected, respected, and allowed to thrive, the economy follows. India has an incredible opportunity to tap into this potential, but it won’t happen until women are safe.
As the world watches India’s rise, it’s time for the country to take the safety and empowerment of its women seriously. Not just for their sake, but for the future of the nation.
Women Rising Strong is dedicated to empowering women globally. Let’s continue the conversation on how we can uplift women everywhere—because when women rise, the world rises with them.
With love and strength,
S.A. Sterling
Source
This article is based on Luca Angelini’s piece "E se la vera chiave per far decollare l’India fosse garantire più sicurezza alle donne?" from Il Punto del Corriere della Sera, Rassegna Stampa, Wednesday, October 2nd, which sheds light on this critical issue and highlights the vital connection between women's safety and economic growth.