“Women and Men in India 2024” Report
The “Women and Men in India 2024” report, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), provides an in-depth overview of gender-specific data across various sectors in India. It offers valuable insights into the progress made by women and the ongoing challenges they continue to face.
The report highlights advancements in education, financial inclusion, political participation, and health, while also addressing the persisting inequalities in employment, leadership roles, and rural-urban access.
Key Highlights of the Report
1. Education – Gender Equality Trends
Gender Parity Index (GPI)
At all educational levels, the GPI remains above 1.00, indicating higher female enrollment compared to male students:
- Primary level: 1.03
- Upper primary level: 1.02
- Higher secondary level: 1.02
Implication: Girls are participating in education at all levels at an increasing rate, reflecting progress in gender equality in education.
2. Labour Force Participation (15+ years)
Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
Increased from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
Implication: More women are joining the workforce, indicating improved economic participation and empowerment.
3. Banking Access and Financial Inclusion
Bank Accounts and Deposits
In 2023-24, women accounted for:
- 39.2% of total bank accounts
- 39.7% of total bank deposits
- 42.2% of rural bank accounts
Implication: Women are increasingly integrating into formal financial systems, enhancing their economic autonomy.
4. Participation in Stock Markets
Rise in Demat Accounts
- Total demat accounts increased from 33.26 million in 2021 to 143.02 million in 2024.
- Women account holders rose from 6.67 million to 27.71 million, a 4.2-fold increase in three years.
Implication: Rising female participation in stock markets indicates growing financial literacy and investment interest among women.
5. Entrepreneurship
Women-led Enterprises
The share of women-owned establishments in manufacturing, trade, and services has increased between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
Implication: Significant growth in women entrepreneurship points to improved access to resources and opportunities in the business sector.
6. Political Participation – Voting Trends
Women Voter Turnout
In the 2024 elections, 65.8% of women voters turned out, nearly equal to 65.5% of male voters.
Implication: Women’s political participation is rising, with female voters playing an equal role in democratic processes.
7. Women-led Startups
Growth of Startups with Female Directors
Startups with at least one female director increased from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024—an over 800% increase.
Implication: The growth in women-led startups reflects the success of policies promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.
8. Health and Reproductive Trends
Health and Life Expectancy
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR) declined to 2.0 in 2023, indicating a reduction in birth rate.
- Women’s life expectancy increased to 71.3 years, reflecting improved health outcomes.
Implication: Women’s health has improved, marked by better reproductive control and increased longevity.
Positive Highlights from the Report
- Digital Inclusion: Significant increase in women's ownership of demat and bank accounts shows growing financial empowerment.
- Educational Equality: Consistently high GPI across all levels reflects progress in narrowing gender gaps in education.
- Political and Social Participation: The rise in female voters and women-led startups points to greater participation in governance and business.
- Improved Labour Participation: Significant increase in women’s LFPR suggests better inclusion in the formal workforce.
Persistent Gaps and Concerns
- Regional Employment Gaps: Women remain concentrated in low-wage informal sectors, limiting economic advancement.
- Digital Divide: A gender gap persists in stock market participation, with women holding significantly fewer demat accounts than men.
- Underrepresentation in Leadership: Despite progress in education and entrepreneurship, women are still underrepresented in senior leadership in corporations and politics.
- Rural-Urban Imbalance: Rural women face slower progress in digital literacy, internet access, and healthcare compared to their urban counterparts.
Way Forward
- Skill Development and Employment: Focus on upgrading women’s skills and creating formal job opportunities in high-value sectors like IT, green energy, and digital finance.
- Inclusive Leadership: Implement affirmative action to boost women's representation in decision-making bodies, especially in corporate and political leadership.
- Digital and Financial Literacy: Expand outreach programs to enhance financial and digital literacy among rural women.
- Gender Data Monitoring: Establish a gender data monitoring dashboard to track real-time progress and enable more effective policymaking.
UPSC-Level MCQs based on “Women and Men in India 2024” Report
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Gender Parity Index (GPI) as per the “Women and Men in India 2024” report:
- The GPI at the primary level is below 1.
- A GPI above 1 indicates higher female enrollment than male students.
- The GPI has remained above 1 across all levels of education.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
🟩 Answer: B
Q2. As per the 2024 report, what is the trend observed in the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) from 2017-18 to 2023-24?
A. Declined from 60.1% to 49.8%
B. Increased from 49.8% to 60.1%
C. Remained stagnant at 49.8%
D. Decreased from 65% to 60.1%
🟩 Answer: B
Q3. In 2023-24, what percentage of total bank deposits is contributed by women according to the report?
A. 33.5%
B. 42.2%
C. 39.7%
D. 45.1%
🟩 Answer: C
Q4. Which of the following best explains the implication of increased women’s participation in the stock market, as per the report?
A. Reduced inflation and financial frauds
B. Decline in household savings
C. Growing financial literacy and investment interest among women
D. Decrease in formal employment
🟩 Answer: C
Q5. Which sector has seen a significant increase in women-led enterprises between 2021-22 and 2023-24?
A. Agriculture and Food Processing
B. IT and Telecommunications
C. Manufacturing, Trade, and Services
D. Heavy Industries and Mining
🟩 Answer: C
Q6. What is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) recorded in the 2023 data?
A. 2.1
B. 1.9
C. 2.5
D. 2.0
🟩 Answer: D
Q7. What was the percentage of women voter turnout in the 2024 elections?
A. 68.5%
B. 62.4%
C. 65.8%
D. 60.1%
🟩 Answer: C
Q8. The number of startups with at least one female director increased from 1,943 in 2017 to how many in 2024?
A. 8,000
B. 11,000
C. 17,405
D. 22,000
🟩 Answer: C
Q9. Which of the following is NOT identified as a major concern in the report?
A. Underrepresentation in leadership roles
B. Increase in fertility rate
C. Regional employment disparities
D. Gender digital divide
🟩 Answer: B
Q10. Which of the following is NOT recommended in the “Way Forward” section of the report?
A. Establishing a gender data monitoring dashboard
B. Promoting skill development in IT and green energy sectors
C. Reducing women’s representation in leadership
D. Expanding financial literacy programs for rural women
🟩 Answer: C