To become a developed nation by 2047, India must address gender inequality first.

• By the end of the decade, Narendra Modi aims to transform India into a $5 trillion economy and a developed nation, just like he envisioned in 2047.
• If the country doesn't work to increase the number of women in the workforce, economists believe he will face challenges in achieving his goals.
• The patriarchy and misogyny deeply entrenched in Indian society must be addressed before the country can progress further, according to Jayati Ghosh, an economics professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

14 years ago, Nisha Kotwal, who was a resident trainee doctor in India's Maharashtra state at the time, would receive a call from her parents before every shift to inquire about her safety at the hospital.

The obstetrician and gynecologist stated that informing my parents about my arrival at the hospital was how they knew I was safe.

Despite efforts to combat it, sexism remains deeply ingrained in India, and economists predict that the country must address this issue in order to achieve its economic objectives.

The murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor in a medical college in Kolkata has left women fearing for their safety and prompted the Supreme Court to establish a national taskforce of doctors to suggest ways to improve workplace safety for women.

In 2023, the labor force participation rate among women in India was 33%, an increase from 27% a decade ago. Although this figure has been gradually rising, India still lags behind several countries, including the U.S. (56.5%), China (60.5%), Japan (54.9%), and Germany (56.5%), the four economies India is falling behind.

If India wants to become a $5 trillion economy and a developed nation by 2047, economists suggest that the country must focus on increasing the number of women in the workforce.

Despite an increase in women's literacy, a decrease in fertility rates, urbanization, and economic growth, women's participation in the workforce has not significantly increased, according to Sunaina Kumar, senior fellow at Observer Research Foundation.

Concerns over safety

The low numbers of women in the workforce can be attributed to a perceived lack of safety in public spaces, according to Kumar.

Sexual harassment remains a significant barrier for some women who are unable to travel far from home to attend school or training programs, as evidenced by their inability to visit nearby markets or facilities.

In a 2021 research paper, Girija Borker, a World Bank Economist, found that female students in Delhi often choose to attend "lower quality colleges" to avoid sexual harassment while traveling to and from campus. This could limit their career opportunities as they may have to settle for colleges near their homes or safer transportation options.

"Highly skilled youth are expected to drive growth in the future, according to Eliana La Ferrara, professor of public policy at Harvard Kennedy School. However, parents who have read about the recent rape and murder of a highly educated woman may question the value of investing in their daughter's education if such incidents can still occur."

On Aug. 9, a trainee doctor was discovered deceased in the seminar room where she had been resting. It is alleged that she was brutally raped and murdered by a police volunteer who had access to the room.

Last week, the Indian Medical Association suspended non-emergency medical services for 24 hours due to a national uproar that resulted in mass protests by doctors and activists breaking out across India.

Reversing gender norms

If India wants to achieve its economic goals, it must overcome social and systemic gender inequality, according to Jayati Ghosh, an economics professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

""India's society harbors deep patriarchy and misogyny, which must be addressed before the country can truly develop," Ghosh stated."

The 2024 Global Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum ranks India 129th out of 146 countries for gender equality, below larger economies such as the U.S., 43rd, China, 106th, Japan, 118th, and Germany, 7th.

"According to Harvard's La Ferrara, women's employment plays two crucial roles: contributing to economic development through production and promoting gender equality within households. To achieve this, young women must be allowed to circulate and function outdoors, while outdoor conditions need to be improved."

Some economists doubt that Modi's goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047 is achievable. However, a gynecologist, Kotwal, believes that promoting women's participation in the workforce by implementing better safeguards and solutions can help move the needle. The process begins with educating boys from a young age.

"India's cultural norms view females as inferior, and it will take time to alter this mindset," Kotwal stated. "We must focus on shaping the psychology of boys during their formative years to help them develop a more balanced perspective."

Ghosh contended that the government should boost spending and improve policies to facilitate women's entry into the workforce.