The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 26th edition of its flagship report, Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data.
1. Overview of the Report:
• The report provides a comprehensive analysis of gender-disaggregated data across key areas such as population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making.
• It highlights progress in gender equality while identifying persistent disparities.
2. Key Highlights:
• Education:
The Gender Parity Index (GPI) for primary and higher secondary levels remains high, indicating strong female enrolment.
Fluctuations were observed at the upper primary and elementary levels, but they stayed close to parity.
• Labour Force Participation:
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 and above increased significantly from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
• Financial Inclusion:
Women own 39.2% of all bank accounts, with higher participation in rural areas (42.2%).
Women contribute 39.7% of total deposits in the banking sector https://www.iasjnana.com/.
• Stock Market Participation:
The number of female DEMAT account holders surged from 6.67 million in 2021 to 27.71 million in 2024, reflecting a fourfold increase https://www.iasjnana.com/ .
• Entrepreneurship:
Female-headed proprietary establishments across manufacturing, trade, and services have grown steadily.
DPIIT-recognized startups with at least one-woman director increased from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024.
• Political Participation:
Female voter turnout in the 2024 general elections was 65.8%, surpassing male turnout for the first time.
3. Significance of the Report:
• The report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to craft gender-sensitive and inclusive policies.
• It underscores the progress made in areas like education, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, while also highlighting areas that need further attention https://www.iasjnana.com/.
