Participation of Women in the Workforce: A Comparative Study between Central and Western Plains of West Bengal

The population of women contributes nearly half of the total count but it counts for only a quarter of total workforce participation in India. The participation of women in different workforces is not only limited to the financial need of the family but is also related to the social system, the education level of the women, and the availability of work opportunities for them. The present study aims to compare the sector-specific women's work participation level and associated social factors of the women workforce. Two regions out of five regions in West Bengal specified by NSSO were considered to be study regions. Incorporating the necessary variables, a structured interview schedule was prepared and data were collected from randomly selected 160 working women from two districts from two regions under study. The collected data has been finalized for analysis after a validity check. Necessary frequency analysis and non-parametric tests have been performed to get the results.

Most of the respondents of central regions were service holders. Education has a signification effect on income level in both the regions under study. Service holders were at significantly higher income levels than other occupational groups. The respondents from the central regions were more educated and empowered than the women of the western region. A large scale of variety in occupational involvement has been found in both regions in the present study. The income level is directly related to occupation and education. The educated women of both regions preferred service as their occupation and earn more than other categories. Specific policies or programs that enhance institutional involvement of all occupational categories may cater to our developmental goal.