📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Oxfam East Africa
Jobs & Career
Oxfam Study Finds Rise in Unpaid Work Among Indian Women
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 21 Oct 2026, 04:38 AM
👁 18
A recent Oxfam report indicates that while more Indian women are engaged in work, a growing share are doing so without pay.
A new study released by Oxfam reveals that the number of Indian women participating in work activities has increased, but a larger proportion of them are engaged in unpaid labour. The research highlights a shift in the nature of women's contributions, moving away from formal, salaried employment toward informal or domestic tasks that do not generate wages.
The findings raise concerns about gender equity in the labour market, suggesting that gains in female workforce participation may not translate into economic empowerment if the work remains unpaid. Analysts point to the need for policies that promote formal employment opportunities and social protection for women.
Oxfam calls for targeted interventions, including skill development programmes and stronger enforcement of labour regulations, to ensure that rising participation translates into paid, secure jobs for women across the country.
The findings raise concerns about gender equity in the labour market, suggesting that gains in female workforce participation may not translate into economic empowerment if the work remains unpaid. Analysts point to the need for policies that promote formal employment opportunities and social protection for women.
Oxfam calls for targeted interventions, including skill development programmes and stronger enforcement of labour regulations, to ensure that rising participation translates into paid, secure jobs for women across the country.