News Excerpt:

A survey conducted by UNICEF's public-private youth platform YuWaah and U-Report, titled "Factors influencing young women’s participation in labour force and non-traditional jobs," has unveiled several insights into obstacles that reduce women’s participation in the workforce.

 More about the Survey:

• The survey targeted youth aged 18 to 29 years through social media channels and was administered via U-Report, UNICEF’s digital community for young people. 
• The study covered questions affecting young women’s participation in the workforce including factors affecting their decision to work such as post-marriage and childbirth, preference for traditional/non-traditional job roles, work from home, etc. 
• The survey aimed to uncover deep-seated societal attitudes, identify barriers, gain insights, and understand the youth’s perspective about young women’s labour force participation.
• UNICEF India and  YuWaah also launched #SakshamNaariKaSafar campaign, aimed at bridging gaps, expanding access to opportunities, and building a society where women are not only participants but leaders in the economic landscape.

Observations of the Survey:

• Approximately 75% of young women and men believe securing employment is the most crucial step for women after their studies.
• Less than 20% of those surveyed advocate immediate marriage post-academics for women.
• 42% of male and 47% of female respondents believe that parents and family members of young women make decisions concerning their dreams and aspirations.
• The survey also highlighted the role of family support with almost 52% of the respondents saying that access to information and opportunities or support from families are key factors influencing young women’s decision to develop job-ready skills and join the workforce.
• 55% of women prefer to work from home so that they can manage the household chores too.  
• 43% of respondents believe that women might enter the workforce post-childbirth if workplaces have supportive and flexible policies or child-friendly facilities. 
• 17% of the respondents said that childcare facilities at the workplace will encourage more women to re-enter the workforce after childbirth.
• More respondents in the village area believe that young women’s preference to stay at home to take care of the child affects their ability to work after childbirth.
• In the cities and between cities and villages, respondents believe that policies and support from employers affect a woman’s ability to work after childbirth. Thus, 49% of the respondents believe that young women prefer flexible workplaces.