A recent study conducted by Cledwyn Fernandez, Havishaye Puri, and Shravani Prakash from ICRIER in New Delhi sheds light on the gendered nature of digital access and its impact on female labor force participation in India. The study utilized data from a nationally representative survey conducted by the NSSO in 2020-21 to analyze access to digital technology, specifically mobile phones and internet, and its effect on the female labor force participation rate (FLPR).
The results of the study revealed that increased access to mobile phones in rural India led to a rise in FLPR, while exclusive mobile phone access only improved FLPR in urban areas. Additionally, the presence of internet at home amplified the positive effects of mobile phone use on women’s labor market participation in urban regions. The study also found that digital literacy played a crucial role in enhancing the impact of mobile phone use on FLPR, particularly in urban areas.
Based on these findings, the authors recommended collaborative efforts between governments, private sector, and NGOs to improve women’s digital access and create opportunities for enhancing their participation in the labor market. By taking actionable steps to address the gendered barriers to digital technology, policymakers can contribute to increasing female labor force participation in India.
The full paper can be accessed for further insights into the study’s methodology and findings, providing a comprehensive understanding of the implications of digital access on women’s labor force participation in the country.
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