Kerala has emerged as a leader in women’s employment, boasting the highest percentage of fixed salaried women in India, according to the latest economic review report. The data highlights the state’s progressive approach towards women’s workforce participation, setting a benchmark for other regions.
Higher Salaried Employment for Women in Kerala
The report reveals that more than half of Kerala’s working women earn a fixed salary. In contrast, the national average remains significantly lower. In 2022-23, only 18.6% of working women in India had salaried jobs, while Kerala stood at 47.4%. The upward trend continued in 2023-24, with the national figure slightly decreasing to 18.5%, whereas Kerala saw an increase to 49.7%.
This sharp contrast underscores the state’s ability to provide stable employment opportunities for women, reflecting strong labor policies and progressive societal norms.
Fewer Women in Low-Paying Daily Wage Jobs
The percentage of female daily wage workers in Kerala is relatively lower compared to the national average. In 2022-23, daily wage laborers accounted for 17.1% of female workers in India, while Kerala had a slightly lower figure at 16.7%. By 2023-24, the national percentage dropped to 14.9%, while Kerala remained steady at 16.4%.
Kerala’s labor market provides better job security for women, ensuring that fewer of them rely on daily wage labor, which often lacks stability and benefits.
Increase in Women’s Employment in the Organized Sector
Over the past decade, Kerala has seen consistent growth in women’s participation in both public and private sector jobs. The past six years have particularly witnessed an increase in female employment, with the private sector expanding job opportunities for women at a faster rate than the public sector in 2023 and 2024.
Unlike many other states where a significant number of female workers are engaged in household enterprises, only 10.1% of Kerala’s women workforce belongs to this category. This indicates that women in the state are finding better employment opportunities in formal sectors rather than informal or household-based work.
Better Employment Conditions for Women in Kerala
The report highlights that Kerala offers superior employment conditions for women compared to other parts of India. With a growing number of women in salaried jobs and fewer engaged in daily wage labor, Kerala continues to set an example for gender-inclusive economic growth.
