Gender Disparity in Work Participation: A Comparative Study of Varanasi District, U.P.

Abstract

In India, female comprises 48% of the total population but their participation in economic activities is only 25%
in comparison to 53.20% participation of male, which shows the high disparity in work participation. It is very
necessary to provide equal opportunity to all women, to participate in economic activities to boost up our
economy, improving their living standards and all types of nutritional support to the family. This paper is an
attempt to analyze gender disparity in work participation comparing rural and urban populations in Varanasi
district. To analysis, the gender disparity in work participation, block-level gender disparity has been calculated
using the Crude Work Participation rate and Sopher Disparity Index(D). The results show that each block has
a high gender disparity, and comparatively urban areas have higher gender disparity index than that of rural, due
to patriarchal mindset, unsafe work environment, and unequal job opportunities, etc