UNVEILING THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: A MULTI-YEAR ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN INDIA

Abstract

Violence against women (VAW) is a serious issue that not only harms women individually but also weakens the economy as a whole. This study specifically looked at India and how VAW discourages women from participating in the workforce. The researchers used data from several years (2018, 2019, and 2020) and found a strong connection between violence and lower rates of women working or looking for work. This means that the more violence there is against women, the fewer women are likely to be a part of the labour force. The study explains that violence can make it difficult for women to work in a few ways. Physical injuries or mental health problems from violence can make it hard to show up to work or be productive. Women who are worried about violence may also be afraid to leave their homes to go to work, or they may not feel comfortable working certain hours or in certain locations. Overall, this study shows that violence against women is not just a social problem, it’s also an economic one that holds India back from reaching its full potential.