The new labour codes are poised to bring a revolutionary change, significantly boosting women’s employment in India. A new report by the All India Organization of Employers (AIOE) and law firm Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas clearly states that the four recently implemented labour codes can create excellent job opportunities for women in the future. These codes will be fully effective from November 21, 2025, and are aimed directly at ensuring greater participation of women in the workforce.
Significant Increase in Women’s Participation
According to the report, How the Labor Codes Boost Women’s Participation in India’s Workforce,” women’s employment rates in India are steadily increasing. Female participation was only 23.3% in 2017-18, and is projected to increase to 41.7% by 2023-24. The female workforce is now more active and robust than ever before. New government initiatives and laws are further accelerating this growth.
Laws that make the workplace safer
The new labor codes modernize old employment laws. Complex rules have been consolidated into a simpler form. This will make compliance easier for companies and improve safety for women.
Some existing laws provide better protection for women’s rights:
- The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 strengthens women’s rights.
- The Prevention of Harassment Act 2013 makes the workplace safer.
- Schemes like Mission Shakti, Navya, and WISE-KIRAN empower women.
26 Weeks of Paid Leave
Under the new Social Security Code 2020, women will continue to receive 26 weeks of paid maternity leave. Adoptive and surrogacy mothers will receive 12 weeks of leave. Women will also benefit from nursing breaks. The process for processing pregnancy-related documents will also be simplified. All these steps help women balance their jobs and health.
Other Benefits for Women
Women will receive several benefits under the new Code:
- ESI coverage will now be expanded to more districts and industries, providing better health protection to millions of women workers. Women in the plantation sector will be particularly benefited.
- Gig and platform workers will also receive social security. Women in app-based jobs will gain greater stability.
- Balancing family and work will become easier than before.
- Under the new Code, women will be able to work in every sector. Night shifts will also be permitted, provided safety is ensured.
- New opportunities will open up in sectors such as IT, healthcare, aviation, and logistics.
- The real impact will be visible only if companies properly implement the rules.
