Over the course of 2023 Indian women made many a stride towards empowerment. However, a lot still remains to be done. These five studies/surveys from 2023 showcase the current state of women's struggles, in various aspects of life.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century, one would hope for a world where gender disparities are mere remnants of the past. However, a closer examination of the statistics reveals that the journey toward gender equality remains an ongoing battle, with women still facing numerous challenges even in 2023.
Despite significant progress in various fields, Indian women much like the rest of the world, continue to face persistent issues that hinder their progress. Addressing challenges in women's advancement requires collective action, acknowledging and understanding the data, and working together to foster a more equitable and inclusive society.
Women Entrepreneur India highlights the ongoing struggles faced by women in 2023, as demonstrated by these studies/surveys. Be it safety, employment opportunities or leadership growth opportunities, women face challenges in all aspects of life.
Percentage Of Salaried Women in Urban India Declines: PLFS Report
According to data from the quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the percentage of women working in regular salaried jobs in urban India declined from 54 per cent in the first quarter to 52.8 per cent in the second quarter of the current fiscal year after employees returned to offices after the pandemic.
The National Statistical Office started publishing the quarterly PLFS surveys in Q3 of FY19. It has been the lowest share of wage employment this year. In Q1 of FY21, the percentage of women working for pay reached its highest point at 61.2 per cent.
The survey uses the "current weekly status" (CWS) measure of employment. According to the survey, the percentage of self-employed women increased from 39.2 per cent in Q1 of FY24 to 40.3 per cent in Q2 of FY24, while the percentage of casual workers increased slightly from 6.8 per cent in Q1 of FY24 to 6.9 per cent in Q2 of FY24.
Women acquire only 18% of Leadership roles in Indian Healthcare Sector
A study reveals a larger gender gap in senior management positions in the healthcare industry in India. According to the Dasra report "An Unbalanced Scale: Exploring the Female Leadership Gap in India's Healthcare Sector," there is a significant under-representation of women in leadership roles, particularly at the executive and board levels, even though 29 per cent of doctors and 80 per cent of nurses in the country are female.
Women make 34 per cent less than men in the healthcare industry in India, where they only hold 18 per cent of leadership positions. Only 25 per cent of senior positions worldwide are held by women, and only 5 per cent of leadership positions in the healthcare industry are held by them.
Women Attrition Higher than Men says TCS; End of WFH Probable Cause
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the largest technology company in India, said that attrition rates among its female employees have surpassed the number of male employees. The main reason for this situation is the end of work-from-home (WFH) policies.
Development programs such as 'iExcel' have been implemented to address this problem by TCS. The annual report made note of the fact that 1,450 female executives have benefitted from the 22 editions of this program's flagship executive leadership development. Despite making up only 14 per cent of the applicant pool, women held nearly 25 per cent of the internal leadership positions that were filled in FY23 which is commendable.
30-40% Pay Gap between Men & Women in Indian Construction & Real Estate Industry
The gender pay gap in construction and real estate is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. Women in these industries deserve to be paid equally for their work, and they should have the same opportunities for career advancement as men.
In India, according to a survey on gender inequality in the construction and real estate industries, informal women workers make 30–40% less than male workers.
In a report titled "Pink Collar Skilling: Unleashing the Women's Power in the Real Estate Sector," published by the consulting firm Primus Partners and World Trade Center, it is stated that just 13% of those working in the real estate sector are women.
Report indicates Surge in Crimes in India against Women, Children & Others
The "Crime in India Report 2022" published by the National Crime Records (NCRB) Bureau states that there was a rise in offenses against the state, cybercrimes, women, SCs, STs, and children in 2022 compared to 2021. The report also emphasizes the rise in suicides and unexpected deaths in 2022.
The Crime in India report revealed a 4 per cent increase in cases of 'crimes against women' in 2022 which is 4,45,256 compared to the previous year's 4,28,278 cases. The Indian Penal Code (IPC) predominantly records crimes against women under 'cruelty by husband or relatives' (31.4%), followed by 'kidnapping and abduction' (19.2%), 'assault on women' (18.7%), and 'rape' (7.1%).
These statistics prove that much needs to be done to bring women’s growth and safety at par with men in India. These numbers act as a requisite reminder for the urgent steps that need to be taken on behalf of the Indian government, industry etc. In 2024, lets do better!
