Women’s participation in India’s formal workforce remains severely constrained despite growing investments in skilling, with a recent NITI Aayog report finding that 71% of women are either in informal employment or fall within the NEET category, meaning they are not in education, employment or training. Only 3% of women covered in the analysis are in formal jobs.
The findings are part of NITI Aayog’s report, “Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047”, which argues that the challenge goes beyond access to training programmes. The report points to a persistent gap between skills acquisition and employment outcomes, particularly for women facing structural and social barriers.
According to the report, the skilling ecosystem continues to struggle with constraints that limit women’s ability to participate in the workforce and secure stable livelihoods even after acquiring skills.
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Training Gains Fail to Translate Into Formal Employment
The report identifies several barriers that affect women before, during and after training. These include caregiving responsibilities, safety concerns, inadequate childcare support, poor transport infrastructure, distance from training centres and a limited availability of flexible employment options.
NITI Aayog said fixed training formats often clash with household responsibilities, especially for women with caregiving duties. Essential support systems such as safe transport, nearby training centres and secure childcare facilities are also frequently unavailable.
The report argues that such barriers affect both participation in skilling programmes and the transition into employment after training.
Survey findings cited in the report also show a strong preference among women for training models that can fit around their daily responsibilities. Around 75% of women prefer skilling programmes located within a five-kilometre radius, while 78% prefer part-time courses that allow them to balance learning with caregiving duties. Another 68% specifically favour part-time formats over full-time programmes.
Training opportunities located beyond familiar neighbourhoods can become difficult to access because of mobility concerns, safety issues and family expectations, the report said.
Social Norms and Mobility Continue to Limit Participation
The report also highlights the role of social and cultural expectations in shaping women’s access to training and employment.
It presents the example of a woman identified as “Sangeeta”, who wanted to acquire skills to supplement household income but found travel beyond a familiar three-to-five-kilometre radius and participation in fixed full-day programmes impractical because of family expectations, caregiving responsibilities and safety concerns.
The report also cites testimony from a recently married woman in peri-urban Vijayawada who said she was unaware of nearby skilling programmes and felt uncomfortable seeking information because doing so could be viewed negatively within her social environment.
NITI Aayog said such experiences point to a broader challenge in which cultural expectations and concerns around visibility continue to influence women’s participation in skilling initiatives.
The report recommends measures aimed at improving access and support, including “Sakhi Booths” as trusted local awareness centres, Community Women Circles for mentorship and peer support, a women-centric digital platform offering private and safe access to information, and “Surakshit Saathi”, a public-private initiative intended to provide secure accommodation and affordable transport near industrial and training hubs.
Policy Focus Shifts From Training Numbers to Employment Outcomes
NITI Aayog also highlights a disconnect between skills acquisition and economic outcomes, noting that training alone does not guarantee long-term workforce participation.
Even after completing training, many women continue to struggle to find flexible and dignified livelihood opportunities. As a result, a significant number turn to home-based self-employment because it offers greater flexibility within existing family and social constraints.
However, the report notes that such enterprises often face limited access to capital, weak market linkages and restricted decision-making autonomy. These constraints can make it difficult for women to scale their businesses or achieve sustainable income growth.
The report concludes that India’s skilling ecosystem has historically focused more on delivering training than on measuring what happens after training is completed.
According to NITI Aayog, future skilling strategies will need to place greater emphasis on employment outcomes, entrepreneurship viability and long-term economic participation if India is to fully unlock women’s contribution to the workforce as part of its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
