The determinants of women workforce participation among the rabha women in Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council area of Assam

Abstract

Workforce participation of women is considered as a major factor in the progression of their economic independence and usually it has been considered as an indicator of their overall wellbeing status in the society. Higher participation of women in workforce is symbolised for their autonomy status and social and economic empowerment. But there are many determinants related to women entering into the workforce. The purpose of this study is to examine the main determinants of women workforce participation among the Rabha women in Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) area of Assam. The data from the socio-economic survey of Rabha women undertaken in four blocks of RHAC area during January to March 2019, are analysed by the logistic regression model. A number of potential variables are used in the model as independent variables. The results suggest that Marital status of Women, Education of Women, Age of Women, Number of earning members of the family and Number of existing children between the age group 0-6 affect significantly; and Occupation of Head of the household, Types of family, Age of Head of the household and Household income (in Rs. 1000) does not significantly affect the Rabha women entering into the workforce. It is suggested that in order to improve the working condition of female labor force, the economy will need to create more appealing working opportunities and government policies will have to create higher quality jobs which will encourage the women to enter into the job market.