Kerala has emerged as a leader in women’s employment in India, with nearly 50% of working women earning fixed salaries, according to the latest economic review report. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, highlighting the state’s progressive strides in gender equality and workforce participation.
In 2022-23, 47.4% of working women in Kerala had salaried jobs, compared to the national average of 18.6%. By 2023-24, Kerala’s percentage rose to 49.7%, while the national figure remained stagnant at 18.5%. The state also reported a lower proportion of women engaged in daily wage labor—16.4% in 2023-24, compared to the national average of 14.9%.
The report highlights Kerala’s success in reducing the number of women in low-paying, informal jobs. Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in women’s participation in the organized sector, with private sector opportunities growing faster than public sector jobs in recent years.
Unlike other states, where a significant portion of female workers are involved in household enterprises, only 10.1% of Kerala’s women workforce falls into this category. This reflects better employment conditions and greater access to formal, salaried roles for women in the state.
Kerala’s achievements in women’s employment underscore its commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment. The state’s focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare has created an enabling environment for women to thrive in the workforce, setting an example for the rest of India.
