New Delhi, Jan. 30 -- Women's participation in paid work is rising but science education, workplace safety, on-site childcare and affordable transport will improve both quality and quantity of such participation, Economic Survey 2025-26, tabled in Parliament on Thursday said.

The labour force participation rate for women, set to account for 48% of the population by 2036, has been rising slowly, from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, alongside a decline in their unemployment, reflecting a shift toward inclusion and economic empowerment, according to the survey. The rate refers to the share of the working-age population (15+ years) either employed or actively looking for work and is a key economic indicator.

"Many highly educated wome...