Amid growing global economic uncertainty, the implementation of India’s new labour codes presents a critical opportunity to strengthen domestic resilience and advance inclusive growth. As the world’s fourth-largest economy, India stands at a juncture where realising the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat will depend not only on expanding manufacturing or technological capacity but also on building inclusive and resilient institutions. True self-reliance lies in creating an economy where every citizen, particularly women, can participate meaningfully in the growth story. India has made notable strides in this direction.

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women aged 15 and above has increased from 22.0 per cent in 2017-18 to 40.3 per cent, while the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has climbed from 23.3 to 41.7 per cent over the same period. These figures mark a significant narrowing of the gender gap in labour market participation and signal a shift towards greater economic inclusion. Yet, a substantial share of women remains excluded from the workforce, and many of those employed continue to be concentrated in the informal sector, facing low wages, limited job security, and minimal access to social protection. From agriculture and domestic work, to home-based enterprises and gig platforms, informal employment often reinforces economic vulnerability and inequality. The recent codification of India’s labour laws into four comprehensive codes offers a unique opportunity to address these gaps.

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By focusing on formalisation, protection, and equal access, these reforms aim to lay the foundation for a more inclusive and resilient labour market. India is not alone in this pursuit. Several developing countries including Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, and Mexico have undertaken significant labour law reforms to enhance women’s participation. These include expanding maternity benefits and allowing women to work night shifts under safeguards such as voluntary consent, safe transportation, adequate lighting, female supervision, and strong anti-harassment protections. Such measures are not just about enabling employment, they are about affirming women’s dignity, autonomy, and equal stake in economic progress.

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As India continues on its journey toward self-reliance and sustainable development, placing women at the heart of policy and labour reform will be key to building a truly inclusive and equitable economy. Among the many provisions embedded in these codes, several hold particular significance for women’s economic participation and empowerment. These reforms aim to make workspaces safer, more flexible, and more equitable to ensure that women can participate in, and benefit from, the economy on equal terms with men. India’s labour reforms, particularly the Code on Wages (2019) and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Code (2020), aim to tackle long-standing gender-based discrimination in both pay and working conditions, directly impacting women’s participation in the labour force.

The Code on Wages (2019) reinforces the principle of “equal pay for equal work” by explicitly prohibiting gender-based discrimination in recruitment and wages. Importantly, it........

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