A recent paper authored by Cledwyn Fernandez, Havishaye Puri, and Shravani Prakash of ICRIER in New Delhi highlights the gendered nature of digital access and its impact on female labor force participation. Using data from a survey conducted by the NSSO in 2020-21, the paper explores how access to mobile phones and the internet affects the female labor force participation rate (FLPR) in India.
The study finds that overall access to mobile phones increases FLPR in rural India, while exclusive mobile access improves FLPR only in urban areas. Additionally, the availability of internet at home enhances the impact of mobile phone use on women’s labor market participation in urban regions. Digital literacy also plays a role, particularly in urban areas, where it enhances the impact of mobile phone use on FLPR.
Based on these findings, the authors suggest actionable steps that government, private sector, and NGOs can take to enhance women’s digital access and improve their labor market participation. By collaborating to increase access to digital technology, policymakers and organizations can create opportunities for women to participate more actively in the workforce.
The paper sheds light on the importance of addressing gender disparities in digital access to promote gender equality in the labor market. As technology continues to play a crucial role in the modern economy, ensuring equal access for women is essential for promoting their economic empowerment and increasing overall labor force participation rates. The full paper can be accessed for further details on the study and its findings.
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