Breaking barriers: why women are stuck in low-paying jobs

12/05/25

Bal Raksha Bharat Blogs

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If we are to examine why are women employed in low paid work, we must first pay due consideration to the improvements in women’s economic growth that have defined the previous decade. Families in India are acknowledging a broader horizon for women who seek financially stable positions in various industries. Young women often encounter fewer barriers than their predecessors did, and there are visible indications that mindsets around women’s education and work are becoming more accepting. More households invest in schooling for daughters and encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities. Public perception has begun to shift in a measured way, enhancing career prospects for women across the country.

In pursuit of opportunities

Parents, both rural and urban, are contemplating their daughters’ professional journeys with growing interest. Employers in retail, hospitality, and technology are observing a steady influx of women who possess skills well-suited to the demands of these sectors. Women who pursue advanced degrees in fields like engineering or finance sometimes find pathways to corporate positions that promise higher wages than local jobs.

Certain smaller towns are seeing changes of their own. More local businesses and community organisations occasionally offer platforms for women who wish to build a modest enterprise. Some operate small shops or cottage industries that sell items to neighboring regions. This can create a channel for consistent earnings, which can then be invested in further education or professional development. Social norms are seldom uniform across the country, yet the incremental acceptance of working women in multiple fields marks a notable development.

Guided by Government programmes

Government-led initiatives in India have demonstrated a firm commitment to improving the financial well-being of women. Campaigns emphasising the value of educating girls have been widely publicized. In many cases, local schools receive funding that upgrades facilities and helps address issues that deter female students from staying in class. Over time, more girls can progress to higher levels of education and eventually consider employment in sectors that pay well. A portion of these programmes also relies on targeted scholarships or schemes that reduce costs for families, making it more feasible to let daughters continue their studies until they gain important credentials.

Some government programmes offer specialised training in fields like manufacturing, administration, or digital services. These initiatives often incorporate practical sessions led by instructors or industry professionals who outline the competencies that employers expect. Early training equips them with a degree of confidence, especially when they stand among peers who share similar goals. It can also open doors to jobs that include better salaries or the prospect of advancement within a formal structure.

Read Also: Reality of Challenges Faced by Girls in India

Women with entrepreneurial aspirations also can access small loans that support ventures in farming, handicrafts, or small-scale production. A home-based seamstress might develop a modest garment business, and a grocery retailer might expand by acquiring more inventory or renovating her shop. The government’s role involves linking such individuals with banks or microfinance institutions that oversee repayment schedules and offer guidance on running a stable business. These steps can have a direct impact on a woman’s earnings, allowing her to manage her household’s financial needs with greater ease.

NGO efforts and collaborations

Non-governmental organizations in India concentrate on a variety of initiatives that assist women in improving their prospects for better-paying jobs. Many NGOs partner with local authorities or private enterprises to organise vocational training sessions. These can involve sewing, tailoring, computer literacy, or spoken English courses.

Some NGOs operate on a community outreach model that builds peer support networks. A sense of camaraderie develops when participants see tangible benefits in a colleague’s success story. This pattern can gradually encourage more local women to consider short-term or long-term programmes. Field workers even visit homes and talk with families about available opportunities or discuss the potential for women’s active involvement in self-help groups.

Child Protection NGO Bal Raksha Bharat focuses on fostering an environment that enables women to improve their economic situation through a variety of programmes and initiatives. The organisation collaborates with grassroots-level groups, local community leaders, and financial institutions to design programmes that meet the specific needs of women in different parts of India.

One way they support women’s economic growth is by providing vocational training and skill development sessions. These sessions cover topics such as tailoring, handicrafts, food processing, and other home-based activities that can be turned into income-generating enterprises. By participating in such training, women gain confidence and learn how to market their products effectively, which helps them earn a steady income.

Moreover, Bal Raksha Bharat partners with relevant government programmes and private-sector initiatives to offer further support in areas such as market linkage and mentorship. This ensures that women have ongoing access to guidance, network opportunities, and the potential for sustainable growth. Through these efforts, the organisation aims to help women secure better livelihoods and enjoy greater financial security in the long term with the help of online donation.

Anikait Suri