Implemented of Skills and Knowledge Drive Eco- Social Advancement of Women Workers in India

Abstract

The gender roles defined for women, expect them to primarily devote their time to household chores and child rearing, while time devoted to skill training and economic activities is conditional and limited. The present contribution of women to the national GDP is around 18%. In India, women comprise 48% of the agricultural workforce and own only 13% of the land. Women in India constitute around 20% of the manufacturing workforce and around 30% of the total workforce in the services sector. Hence, a sustainable skill development programme would aim to take on board, both women’s as well as men’s concerns and experiences. These should form an integral part of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and the programmes on skill training and development. The following table presents the current scenario of women workforce in India is one can clearly observe the huge concentration of female workforce in favor of the informal sector. Furthermore, presents the percentage of skilled women and men in rural and urban areas in terms of marketable skills. Both, women and men, whether urban or rural, are majorly unskilled compared to having some skills. There are higher number of unskilled workers in rural than in urban areas, and more number of women do not have any skills, compared to men with no skills. The table reflects the urgent need that prompted the government to take serious note of this dire situation in training and skill education. Right from the access to and the availability of education and training, to the conduct of training programmes. Low social value is attached to girl´s education, and as they are considered secondary income earners, lower importance is given to training of girls for employment. The key strategy for women’s empowerment and gender equality is to combine policy and institutions at the local level.