An Analysis of the Labour Market Outcomes of Muslim Women in India

Abstract

Using NSS employment and unemployment surveys and PLFS data for 2017-2018, this study investigates the labour market outcomes of women from the Muslim community in India. The paper examines the LFPR, WPR, and unemployment rate among Muslim women in India. The paper shows that the labour force participation rate and the worker population ratio of Muslim
women are low and have been declining, while their unemployment rate has been going up. Using the Multinomial probit Model, the paper shows how education, social belonging, age, household characteristics and location play significant roles in determining the labour market outcomes of Muslim women in India. The paper argues for strengthening measures to create decent
employment avenues for women from the marginalized Muslim community. The paper also argues for improving the education and skill levels of Muslim women so as to bridge the gap between their educational attainment and the job requirements of the Indian labour market.