The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 27th edition of “Women and Men in India 2025”. The annual publication brings together gender-disaggregated data across population, health, education, employment, and decision-making, helping policymakers track where progress is happening and where gaps remain.
A major addition this year is a new metadata framework for 50 key indicators, which explains definitions, sources, and methodology more clearly. This improves the usefulness of the report for researchers and governments designing gender-responsive policies.
The 2025 report reveals significant socio-economic shifts, most notably in the labor market. The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in rural areas surged from 37.5% to 45.9% between 2022 and 2025.
Furthermore, women are increasingly breaking the "glass ceiling" in the corporate and administrative sectors, with a 102.54% increase in women in managerial positions since 2017, outstripping the 73.8% growth seen among men.
Demographic indicators also show a positive trend, with the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improving to 917 (2021-23) and gender parity being successfully achieved across all levels of school education.
Key Statistical and Demographic Benchmarks
Sex Ratio at Birth: Improved from 904 (2017-19) to 917 (2021-23).
Rural Female LFPR: Significant jump from 37.5% (2022) to 45.9% (2025).
Managerial Growth: 102.54% increase for women vs. 73.80% for men between 2017 and 2025.
Higher Education GER: Females reached 30.2 (up from 28.5) while males reached 28.9 in 2022-23.
Educational Parity: 1.0 Gender Parity Index achieved from Primary to Higher Secondary levels.
Health Outcome: Pronounced and sustained decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for both genders (2008–2023).
What is the "Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER)"?
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is a statistical measure used to determine the number of students enrolled in a specific level of education (like Higher Education) regardless of their age, expressed as a percentage of the official school-age population for that level.
In the 2025 Report, the female GER (30.2) surpassing the male GER (28.9) is a major milestone. It indicates that more women are entering colleges and universities relative to their population size than men, signaling a long-term shift in the skill profile of India's future female workforce.
Policy Relevance
Validates 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao': The improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (917) and the achievement of school-level gender parity serve as direct evidence of the success of targeted social behavioral change campaigns.
Supports Economic 'Viksit Bharat' Goals: The surge in Rural Female LFPR (45.9%) indicates that the rural economy is becoming more inclusive, providing the necessary human capital to sustain 8% GDP growth.
Informs Corporate Governance: The 102% rise in women managers suggests a maturing corporate landscape, potentially leading to more gender-sensitive workplace policies and increased demand for women-centric professional services.
Prioritises Higher Education Infrastructure: With female GER now outstripping male GER, there is a clear policy signal for the Ministry of Education to expand women’s hostels, scholarships, and safety infrastructure in urban university hubs.
Refines Social Safety Nets: The sustained decline in Infant Mortality allows the government to pivot healthcare spending from basic survival toward specialized pediatric and maternal nutrition programs.
Follow the Full Data Here: Release of Women and Men in India 2025