Moderate wage growth for women's contractual jobs in India

Women in India’s contractual workforce have experienced a moderate increase in wages over the past four years. Average salaries rose from ₹17,433 in FY20 to ₹20,164 in FY24, which reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.71%. This information comes from a report by TeamLease Services. The report, titled ‘No Women Left Behind 2.0’, explores trends in women’s participation in the workforce, their wage growth, and representation across different sectors. Despite India ranking 129th in the Global Gender Gap Index for 2024, there are positive signs, especially among women with higher education. Women with graduate degrees make up 41.3% of those in contractual roles, while 28.5% have completed 12th grade. The report also notes a smaller percentage of women with lower educational qualifications, such as 10th-grade education or postgraduate degrees. Employment opportunities are strongest in sectors like retail, IT, and financial services. Conversely, industries like manufacturing and telecom continue to have low female representation. Contractual work is particularly beneficial for women aged 18 to 37, who represent over 90% of this workforce. However, participation drops sharply for women over 38, indicating challenges in maintaining careers as they age. Regionally, the highest number of women in contractual roles are in Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, suggesting that opportunities are mainly in urban areas. The report also emphasizes the importance of expanding job opportunities in smaller cities. With the 2025-26 union budget aiming to increase women’s economic participation to 70%, there is a significant focus on women-focused funding. To achieve these goals, the report suggests implementing policies that support workplace safety, childcare, and dedicated industrial parks for women. It also highlights the need for better financial access and programs to encourage women in STEM fields. These measures could help create a more inclusive and empowered workforce for women.