Women's Working World - A Mirror to Their World

Where are the women of India poised in their country's economy? Are they a part of its economic engine and prepared to reap its windfall? Pundits call India: 'the second largest emerging economy in the world,' claiming that greater contribution from women, would boost the GDP by $700 billion! Current statistics though are a cause for concern with low female labour participation rates (FLFPR) impacting other indices, though mis measurements remain a problem. This places an even greater urgency to unravel a complex issue with sensitivity and insight, the philosophy that drives this book. We examine here the low LFPR from intersecting angles, contending that women's working lives mirror their larger environment, which is impacted by socio-cultural realities. Some of these have a resonance with global issues, while some remain peculiarly local. This book suggests creative solutions and strategies that would enable women to enter the labour market, not as marginal players but proud makers of their own destiny. This book is a must-read for employers, workers, social scientists, economists, feminists and policy makers, who understand the link between economics and empowerment.