Why in the News ?
Recently the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector 2022-23 revealed higher shares of women owners and workers in southern and some eastern states, and lower in western, northern, and central states.
Gender disparity in India concerning working- owners and unpaid family workers:
- Prevalence of Women in Unpaid Family Worker Roles: Data from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector 2022-23 reveals that women are predominantly represented as unpaid family workers.
- For instance, in Telangana, while 43% of working owners are women, a substantial 59% are unpaid family workers, illustrating a significant gender disparity.
- Lower Representation of Women as Working Owners: Across India, the proportion of women in working-owner roles is considerably lower compared to men.
For example, in Telangana, women constitute 43% of working owners, reflecting a gender gap where men are more likely to own and operate businesses.
Regional Trends Highlighting Gender Disparities:
The southern states, such as Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, display a relatively higher share of women in both working-owner and unpaid family worker roles.
- Despite this, the overall pattern shows more men in ownership positions and more women in unpaid roles, reinforcing the gender imbalance.
- Sector-Specific Disparities: In the manufacturing sector, women’s representation as working-owners and hired workers is lower than in unpaid family roles.
- For example, in Telangana, women constitute 52% of formal hired workers but only 26% of informal hired workers, indicating a disparity in employment types and compensation.
- National Overview of Gender Roles: On a national level, the survey indicates that the share of women in unincorporated enterprises varies by stat job type.
While women play a significant role in unpaid family work, their representation as working owners remains limited.
- This trend is consistent across different regions, with southern states showing relatively better but still imbalanced gender representation in the workforce.
The reason behind these issues:
Cultural and Societal Norms:
Traditional gender roles in India often assign women the responsibility of unpaid domestic and family work, limiting their opportunities for paid employment and entrepreneurship.
Access to Resources and Opportunities:
Women often have less access to financial resources, credit, and capital needed to start and run businesses compared to men. This financial barrier restricts their ability to become working-owners.
Work-Life Balance and Family Responsibilities:
Women typically bear a disproportionate share of caregiving and household responsibilities, limiting their availability for formal employment and entrepreneurial activities.
Network and Mentorship Gaps:
Women often have fewer professional networks and mentorship opportunities, which are crucial for business growth and career advancement.