The Labour Market Behaviour of Working-Age Women in Surat City

Abstract

Female labour force participation has always been associated with the socioeconomic development of a country. India being one of the most progressive economies of recent times, it is important to understand gender parity in the workforce of the country and its implications, especially for the strata of highly educated individuals. Though many studies examine female labour force participation in India, the need for domestic study is recommended considering the unique socio-economic fabric of that place. Surat being one of the major economic hubs of western India, understanding labour market behaviour of highly educated working-age women in this city brings fresh prospective to the labour market potential for the future economic progress of the city. This study examines the labour market behaviour of highly educated working-age women from Surat city with reference to social, economic, academic, and infrastructural factors. The present study being descriptive in nature, data were collected from 796 female respondents, working-age women (16–59 years) from Surat city. Data were collected through a digital survey from women who have received a graduation, master, or more than a master degree from Surat city. Though the women respondents included in this study had a high education level, 34.6% of highly educated women are still not working. In social factors, gaining financial independence (55%) turned out to be one of the major driving forces for being a part of labour force; in financial factors, having financial independence (55%) and the responsibility to run a family (24.3%) turned out to be major reasons to work. 63.2% of respondents recommended the need for a more practical-oriented course structure for higher education degrees. 16.8% of respondents are not satisfied with the infrastructure facilities available at the workplace. Though it is difficult to alter the socio-economic fabric of the place, offering relatively equal pay, female-friendly HR policies, and appropriate infrastructural facilities can encourage highly educated females to be a part of the labour force.