Encouraging women to venture into often male-dominated and non-traditional sectors, ranging from logistics to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) roles, holds the promise of unlocking significant employment opportunities. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could soar by 27% if women's participation in the labour force matches that of men, while Bloomberg suggests that closing the gender employment gap could boost India's GDP by nearly a third by 2050. Thus, diversifying viable livelihood options for women emerges as a crucial strategy for achieving robust economic growth.

Closing the gender gap in the economy would entail better targeting of funding for women and integration of gender-inclusive strategies in all sectors. Women entering non-traditional fields bring diverse perspectives and experiences that can drive innovation and creativity, leading to advancements across various industries. Moreover, their presence challenges societal norms, fostering a shift towards more inclusive and equitable attitudes.

However, systemic barriers such as societal gender norms often confine women to work closer to home, leading to limited mobility and exposure to instances of violence. These norms also perpetuate the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women, hindering their access to higher education and vocational training and restricting their entry into formal, high-skilled employment. According to 2023 NSSO data, over 50% of Indian women in the 15-29 age group are neither employed nor studying (NEET), with unpaid care work cited as the primary reason by over 90% of NEET women. Additionally, 65% of girls (15-18 years) drop out of school due to household chores responsibilities.