The Indian social sector is experiencing a dynamic transformation, with traditional funding models evolving and innovative financing mechanisms taking root. In this landscape of change, collaboration, knowledge creation, and stakeholder engagement aren’t options any longer, they are the cornerstones of a thriving and impactful future.

Empowering Change Through Education: Cultivating Capacity for Impact

At the heart of this transformation lies capacity building. It's about equipping both Implementing organisations and donors with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of innovative finance, ultimately maximising their social impact. Creating knowledge through workshops becomes fertile ground for learning, fostering a deeper understanding of each stakeholder's needs, expectations, and unique challenges.

These platforms are more than just spaces for information dissemination; they cultivate an environment of collaborative learning. Here, participants share experiences, learn from one another, and co-create solutions that address the realities of the Indian social sector. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, knowledge dissemination empower organisations to effectively leverage innovative financing tools, while donors gain valuable insights to make informed decisions aligned with their philanthropic goals.

Case Study: Social Impact Bonds – A Catalyst for Change

Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) serve as a shining example of innovative finance gaining traction in India. These outcomes-based contracts bring together diverse stakeholders – outcome funders, risk investors, and service providers – united by the common goal of achieving measurable social impact.

In Rajasthan, the world's first Development Impact Bond (DIB) aimed to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. The results were inspiring, with significant strides made in reducing maternal mortality rates and increasing access to quality healthcare services in rural areas. This successful pilot not only demonstrated the potential of SIBs in addressing critical social challenges but also paved the way for further exploration of this financing mechanism across diverse sectors in India.

Case Study: Water.org's Impact in India

Water.org, a non-profit organisation co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, has been making significant strides in addressing the water crisis in India. Through innovative financing models such as WaterCredit, they have empowered communities to access safe water and sanitation solutions. By partnering with local microfinance institutions, Water.org has facilitated affordable loans for water and sanitation facilities, leading to improved health, education, and economic opportunities for millions of people across India.

Case Study: Teach For India's Educational Impact

Teach For India (TFI) is a non-profit organisation that aims to eliminate educational inequity in India. By recruiting and training young professionals to teach in low-income schools, TFI works towards providing quality education to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. Through collaborative efforts with schools, communities, and policymakers, TFI has made significant strides in improving educational outcomes and empowering students to reach their full potential.

International Case Study: The Impact Hub Network

The Impact Hub network is a global community of social entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers working towards sustainable solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. With over 100 Impact Hubs worldwide, this network provides a platform for collaborative learning, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector partnerships. Through initiatives such as Impact Hub Academy and Impact Hub Scaling, the network supports social enterprises in scaling their impact and creating positive change in their communities.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building Bridges of Collaboration

Lasting impact requires collective action. Therefore, actively engaging with diverse stakeholders across the Indian social impact ecosystem is crucial. This includes grassroots NGOs, social enterprises, impact investors, philanthropists, policymakers, and academic institutions. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among these actors, fertile ground for innovation and collective problem-solving is created.

The India Impact Investing Council (IIIC) exemplifies this collaborative spirit. It brings together diverse stakeholders to promote knowledge sharing, build capacity within the impact investing space, advocate for enabling policies, and create a conducive environment for impact investing to flourish in India.

Collaborative Learning: A Holistic Approach

To truly empower changemakers, we need a holistic approach to collaborative learning that recognises the unique needs and perspectives of each stakeholder group within the Indian context. This involves:

• Tailored Programmes: Designing educational initiatives and workshops catering to the specific needs of different stakeholders, ensuring relevance and maximising learning outcomes. For example, programmes specifically designed for NGOs to understand and access innovative financing tools can be highly beneficial.
• Multi-stakeholder Dialogues: Creating platforms for open communication and knowledge exchange between diverse actors within the social impact ecosystem. Regular conferences and workshops that bring together investors, philanthropists, and social sector organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities in the Indian context can foster valuable collaborations.
• Building Bridges: Actively connecting Implementing organisation s with potential investors and donors, fostering partnerships that drive sustainable impact. Facilitating connections between social enterprises and impact investors helps bridge the funding gap and accelerate social progress.

Enhancing Impact Measurement in India

To effectively assess and communicate outcomes, improving impact measurement practices is vital for the Indian social sector. The introduction of robust impact measurement frameworks tailored to the unique contexts of various social interventions can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and scalability of programmes. Initiatives such as the Impact Investors Council's efforts to standardise impact measurement methodologies and metrics are contributing to this endeavour, facilitating better decision-making and resource allocation within the sector.

Contributing to the Ecosystem of Change

Institutions like the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) with its Centre for Innovative Finance and Social Impact (CIFSI) play a vital role in contributing to this evolving ecosystem. Through research, education, and stakeholder engagement, they equip individuals and organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of innovative finance and drive meaningful change.

Building a Brighter Future Together

By investing in the growth of individuals and organisations, embracing collaboration, and actively engaging with diverse stakeholders, we can unlock the full potential of the social sector and create a more just and equitable world for all.

To read the full report, click here.

The landscape of social impact is rapidly evolving, driven by the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of global challenges. Issues like climate change, poverty, and inequality demand collaborative and multifaceted solutions that transcend the limitations of traditional philanthropy. Data from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) reveals a burgeoning impact investing market, reaching an estimated USD 1.164 trillion in assets under management as of 2022, signifying a growing appetite for investments that generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. In this dynamic environment, capacity building for both implementing organisations and donors becomes essential. It serves as the fertile ground where sustainable solutions blossom, empowering organisations to navigate the complexities of the social sector and maximizing the impact of donor contributions.

Often, capacity building initiatives are taken on to deliver immediate results, such as engaging volunteers or securing short-term investments. While these actions are important, they represent just one piece of the puzzle. To truly empower Implementing organisations and donors, a deeper exploration into the unique needs, expectations, and challenges of each stakeholder is required. This approach includes building a foundation for long-term success alongside developing strategies that address the evolving demands of the social landscape.

Awareness Initiatives and Workshops: A Platform for Empowerment

Educational initiatives and workshops play a crucial role in capacity building. They provide a platform for open dialogue and knowledge exchange, allowing implementing organizations to articulate their on-the-ground realities and donors to gain a deeper insight into the complexities of the social sector. These interactions are vital to foster mutual understanding and trust, which are the bedrocks of effective collaboration.

By participating in these educational platforms, such as workshops, conferences, and online courses focused on innovative finance and impact investing, stakeholders can find common ground and identify areas where their interests align. These platforms provide opportunities for cross-sector dialogue, knowledge sharing, and exposure to best practices, fostering a deeper understanding of different perspectives and objectives. This shared understanding paves the way for more impactful collaborations and innovative solutions to emerge, ultimately leading to sustainable outcomes that benefit both implementing organisations and the communities they serve.

Measuring Impact: Beyond Numbers

While quantitative metrics are essential for tracking progress, the true impact of capacity building initiatives often transcends numbers. It assesses the long-term effects on capabilities and sustainability of Implementing organisations, as well as on the effectiveness of donor contributions.

Institutional outcomes like enhanced organisational efficiency, improved governance structures, and increased financial sustainability are vital indicators of success. However, the transformational impact on individuals within these organisations remains equally important. Assessing whether individuals have gained knowledge, confidence, and the ability to lead is crucial for understanding the full impact of capacity building efforts.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Capacity Building

In the modern era, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming the way organisations operate and collaborate. For non-profits and social enterprises, the integration of digital tools can significantly enhance their capacity building efforts.

1. Data Analytics: By harnessing the power of data analytics, Implementing organisations can gain insights into the effectiveness of their programs, identify patterns and trends, and make data-driven decisions that enhance their impact. Donors can also use analytics to monitor the outcomes of their investments and adjust their strategies accordingly.
2. Cloud Computing: Cloud-based solutions offer scalable options for data management and storage, which are essential for growing organisations. They facilitate easier access to information, enhancing collaboration and efficiency across teams and locations.
3. Mobile Platforms: With the widespread use of mobile devices, developing mobile-specific applications and tools can dramatically increase engagement and accessibility for stakeholders. This is particularly effective in reaching remote or underserved populations, expanding the reach and impact of capacity-building initiatives.

Building a Roadmap for the Future

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is clear that building capacity is a strategic imperative for Implementing organisations and donors alike. Below is a proposed roadmap for cultivating growth and ensuring sustainable impact:

1. Cultivating a Culture of Learning:

• Invest in educational initiatives and workshops: Create platforms for knowledge sharing, skill development, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Develop tailored learning programmes: Address the specific needs and challenges of different stakeholders within the social sector.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning: Encourage ongoing professional development and knowledge exchange within organisations.

2. Forging Strategic Partnerships:

• Break down silos between sectors: Facilitate collaboration between non-profit and for-profit entities to leverage their respective strengths.
• Build bridges with government and academic institutions: Tap into their expertise and resources to enhance the impact of capacity building initiatives.
• Create platforms for knowledge sharing and networking: Foster open communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

3. Measuring and Adapting:

• Develop comprehensive evaluation frameworks: Go beyond quantitative metrics to assess the long-term institutional and transformational impact of capacity building efforts.
• Embrace a culture of feedback and learning: Regularly gather feedback from both Implementing organisations and donors to adapt and improve programmes.
• Share learnings and best practices: Disseminate knowledge gained from successful capacity building initiatives to benefit the wider social sector.

A Collaborative Force for Change: ISDM's Global Knowledge Hub

In our journey towards a more impactful social sector, we are not alone. Organisations like the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) and its Global Knowledge Hub play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through research, publications, and events, the Hub connects diverse stakeholders, providing access to valuable resources and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This collective effort empowers individuals and organisations to navigate the complexities of the social sector and drives meaningful change.

To read the full report, click here.

One of the primary challenges faced by FPSEs in India lies in the realm of taxation. The imposition of an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on their revenue acts as a significant barrier.

Here's a deeper dive into the specific issues:

Reduced Resources for Social Initiatives: The 18% GST directly impacts the available pool of funds for social initiatives undertaken by FPSEs. This reduces their ability to invest in scaling social programmes, hiring talent for social impact projects, and making crucial investments in communities they serve.

Investor Perception and Funding Hurdles: The high GST rate also creates a perception among potential investors that a substantial portion of their investment will be directed towards tax payments, rather than the core social mission. This can deter investors who may be more inclined to support social causes through traditional non-profit channels where tax exemptions exist.

Striking a Delicate Balance

FPSEs face a delicate balancing act. They strive to fulfill their social mission while grappling with the financial burden of GST. This not only impacts their bottom line but also creates an obstacle in attracting resources for social impact initiatives.

Examples in Action:

Akshaya Patra: This renowned FPSE provides mid-day meals to millions of underprivileged school children. The GST levied on the ingredients and logistics can significantly impact their ability to expand the programme and reach more children.

Selco India: This FPSE offers clean energy solutions in rural areas. While providing affordable solar power systems generates social impact, the GST on equipment and installation services can reduce their profit margins and limit their ability to subsidise costs for low-income communities.

These are just a few examples highlighting the financial constraints that GST can impose on FPSEs aiming to create social change.

Finding Opportunities Amidst Restrictions

While CSR laws in India aim to promote corporate responsibility and social good, they can inadvertently create obstacles for FPSEs seeking funding.

Here's a breakdown of the specific challenge:

CSR Funding Restrictions: The current CSR laws in India traditionally direct CSR contributions towards non-profit entities. This leaves for-profit social enterprises, who operate with a dual profit and social impact mission, in a precarious position when it comes to attracting CSR funding.

Finding Opportunities Through Collaboration:

However, FPSEs can overcome these challenges through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Here are some ways they can leverage CSR regulations for their benefit:

Collaboration with NGOs: FPSEs can partner with established non-profit organisations (NGOs) that comply with CSR regulations. By channeling funding towards their social initiatives through these partnerships, FPSEs can leverage the resources and expertise of NGOs while staying compliant with the legal framework.

Joint Projects with Responsible Businesses: Collaborating with established businesses that have robust CSR initiatives can unlock funding opportunities for FPSEs. Partnering on projects that align with both their social missions can create a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Aravind Eye Care System: This FPSE partnered with a leading pharmaceutical company to conduct free eye health awareness camps in rural communities. The CSR funding from the pharmaceutical company helped Aravind reach a wider audience and provide free eye screenings to underprivileged populations.

Million Meals: This FPSE partnered with an NGO that works towards alleviating hunger in urban slums. By collaborating on meal distribution programmes, Million Meals leveraged the NGO's CSR funding network while utilising their own expertise in delivering affordable nutritious meals.

These examples showcase how FPSEs in India can navigate the limitations of CSR laws through strategic collaborations with NGOs and responsible businesses.

Fostering an Enabling Environment

Recognising the immense potential of FPSEs in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Indian government has launched several initiatives to support them:

Startup India: This flagship initiative aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for startups, including FPSEs, by providing them with easier access to funding, streamlined regulations, and incubation

The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): This mission aims to promote sustainable agricultural practises through various initiatives, creating opportunities for FPSEs working in this domain. These initiatives include promoting organic farming, providing subsidies for water-efficient technologies, and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy in agriculture.

Social Venture Funds: The government, in collaboration with private players, has established several social venture funds specifically dedicated to investing in FPSEs. These funds provide crucial saeed funding and mentorship to help FPSEs scale their operations and achieve their social impact goals.

Brand Involvement: A Catalyst for Change

Beyond government initiatives, leading brands are increasingly recognising the potential of collaborating with FPSEs to achieve their social responsibility goals and enhance their brand image. This collaboration can take various forms:

Impact Investments: Brands can invest in FPSEs that align with their social responsibility initiatives. This not only generates financial returns but also allows them to contribute to positive social change.

Cause-Related Marketing: Brands can partner with FPSEs for cause-related marketing campaigns, where a portion of the proceeds from the sale of specific products or services is directed towards the FPSE's social initiatives. This can raise awareness about the FPSE's work and generate additional funding.

Mentorship and Resource Sharing: Established brands can provide valuable mentorship and resource sharing to FPSEs. This can include sharing expertise in marketing, branding, and operational efficiency, which can help FPSEs scale their businesses and reach a wider audience.

Examples in Action:

Hindustan Unilever (HUL): HUL partnered with the FPSE "Project Shakti" to empower rural women entrepreneurs as micro-distributors for their products. This collaboration not only generated income for rural women but also improved access to essential household products in remote communities.

The Body Shop: The Body Shop partnered with the FPSE "The Akshaya Patra Foundation" to support their mid-day meal programme for underprivileged children. This partnership helped raise awareness about the FPSE's work and generate additional funding for their crucial social initiative.

These examples showcase the growing trend of brand involvement with FPSEs, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that drive both social impact and brand growth.

A Collective Effort for a Sustainable Future

While navigating the complex landscape of tax regulations and CSR laws presents challenges, FPSEs in India are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation. By leveraging government initiatives, fostering strategic collaborations with NGOs and responsible businesses, and attracting brand involvement, FPSEs can overcome these hurdles and unlock their full potential for creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Remember, every individual, organisation, and investment decision can contribute to this positive change. By supporting FPSEs, we can collectively bridge the gap between financial resources and social impact, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

In today's world, where financial resources are increasingly sought after for addressing complex social and environmental challenges, social impact funding has emerged as a powerful tool for positive change. But what exactly is social impact funding? Who are the key players involved, and what are their motivations?

This blog delves into the world of social impact funding, shedding light on its diverse forms, motivations of investors, and the crucial role it plays in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Understanding the Different Forms of Social Impact Funding:

Social impact funding encompasses a diverse range of financial instruments, each with its unique characteristics and objectives:

Philanthropy: Traditional charitable giving, where wealthy individuals or organisations donate resources to support social causes, forms the foundation of social impact funding.

Venture Capital and Private Equity: These investment models, traditionally used to finance high-growth businesses, are increasingly being adapted to support social enterprises with the potential for both financial returns and positive social impact.

Impact Investing: This specific form of investment aims to generate both financial returns and measurable social or environmental impact alongside financial returns. Impact investors actively seek out enterprises or projects that address specific social or environmental challenges while generating a financial return on their investment.

Grants: Non-profit organisations and foundations often offer grants to support initiatives aligned with their missions. These grants may be non-repayable or require repayment under specific circumstances.

Social Impact Bonds: These innovative financing instruments tie investment returns to the achievement of predetermined social outcomes. If the social outcomes are achieved, investors receive a financial return.

Who are the Key Players in Social Impact Funding?

A diverse range of actors participate in the social impact funding landscape:

Investors: Individuals, foundations, corporations, and investment firms seeking financial returns alongside positive social or environmental impact.

Social Enterprises: For-profit businesses with a primary mission to address social or environmental challenges.

Non-Profit Organisations: Organisations focused on addressing social and environmental issues, often seeking funding to support their programmes and initiatives.

Impact Intermediaries: Organisations that connect investors with social enterprises and non-profit organisations, providing due diligence and expertise in evaluating social impact.

Government Agencies: Governments can play a role in facilitating social impact funding by providing tax incentives, creating enabling regulations, and supporting the development of the impact ecosystem.

Motivations for Engaging in Social Impact Funding:

The motivations for engaging in social impact funding vary depending on the player involved:

Investors: While financial return remains a key driver for some investors, an increasing number are motivated by a desire to make a positive social impact alongside financial gains. This aligns with the growing interest in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, where investors consider the environmental and social impact of their investments alongside financial performance.

Social Enterprises and Non-Profit Organisations: These entities seek funding to support their missions, whether it's providing essential services to underserved communities, developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, or fostering social change.

Governments: Governments may utilise social impact funding to achieve specific development goals, attract investment in critical sectors, and promote social innovation.

The Growing Impact of Social Impact Funding:

Social impact funding is playing a vital role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges:

Promoting Sustainable Development: By supporting initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), social impact funding contributes to achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.

Empowering Social Enterprises: This funding provides crucial resources for social enterprises to scale their operations, reach a wider audience, and create a more significant social impact.

Fostering Innovation: Social impact funding acts as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging the development of new solutions to social and environmental challenges.

Investing for Good: How Can You Get Involved?

There are numerous ways individuals can become involved in the social impact funding landscape:

• Invest your money in impact investment funds or socially responsible businesses.
• Support social enterprises by making conscious consumer choices and purchasing their products or services.
• Volunteer your skills and expertise to support social enterprises or non-profit organisations.
• Raise awareness about social impact funding and the importance of social responsibility.

A Collective Force for Positive Change

Social impact funding presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between financial resources and social change. By harnessing the combined efforts of diverse players, from individuals to governments, this landscape holds immense potential to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

1. Standardisation of Impact Measurement: Developing standardised frameworks for measuring social and environmental impact is critical to ensure transparency and accountability in the sector.
2. Capacity Building: Equipping social enterprises and non-profit organisations with the skills and knowledge to navigate the social impact funding landscape is essential for effective resource utilisation.
3. Collaboration and Innovation: Fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including investors, social enterprises, and government agencies, can unlock innovative solutions to social challenges.

By addressing these challenges and harnessing the collective power of social impact funding, we can move towards a future where financial resources are invested not just for profit, but also for the betterment of society and the environment. Remember, every individual, organisation, and investment decision holds the potential to contribute to this positive change.

Social change initiatives in India are driven by a collective desire to make a positive difference. Billions of dollars are poured into programs aimed at tackling complex issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. But often, the impact of these programs is difficult to measure, leading to a nagging question: are we truly achieving lasting change?

This is where Results-Based Program Management (RBPM) steps in as the missing piece. RBPM is a structured approach that equips program managers with the skills and tools to design, implement, and monitor programs strategically, ensuring they deliver measurable social impact.

Why Results-Based Program Management Matters in India

India's development sector faces unique challenges. Here's how RBPM can address them:

• Focus on Outcomes, Not Outputs: Many programs measure activities (outputs) like workshops conducted or meals served. RBPM emphasizes measuring outcomes, the actual change achieved in people's lives (e.g., increased literacy rates or improved health outcomes). This ensures resources are directed towards programs with demonstrably positive impacts.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Social change is complex. RBPM equips program managers with the skills to collect and analyze data throughout the program cycle. This data informs crucial decisions about resource allocation, program adjustments, and future interventions, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Transparency and Accountability: With RBPM, stakeholders like donors and beneficiaries have a clear understanding of program goals, how progress is measured, and the results achieved. This transparency fosters trust and accountability, leading to greater support for impactful programs.

Empowering Changemakers: The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a leader in driving social change through effective program management.

• Developed for the Indian Context: The curriculum is designed specifically for the Indian development sector, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by social change organizations in the country.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The program delves into all aspects of RBPM, from understanding program design principles to crafting a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
• Interactive Learning: The program offers a unique blend of instructor-led sessions, project-based learning, case studies, and coaching, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
• Networking and Growth: Connect with a community of passionate development professionals and build your network to further your career and social impact goals.

Who Should Take This Program?

This program is designed for:

• Aspiring Program Managers: Individuals seeking a career in program and project management roles within the development sector.
• Development Professionals: Those looking to enhance their existing program management skills and advance their careers.
• Changemakers: Anyone passionate about social change who wants to learn how to design and implement programs that create lasting impact.

Invest in Making a Difference

The ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program is an investment in your ability to make a real difference. By mastering RBPM, you'll gain the skills to:

• Design programs with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Manage resources effectively and efficiently.
• Lead and motivate teams to achieve program objectives.
• Make data-driven decisions for continuous program improvement.
• Become a recognized expert in program management within the development sector.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career driving social change. Enroll in the ISDM Results-Based Program Management Certificate Program today!

Program Details:

• Duration: 3 months (60 hours)
• Delivery Mode: Online live sessions
• Cost: INR 60,000 + taxes (scholarships available)

Bushra Ansari | Published: 01 April, 2024

How do women in India spend their time? Apart from paid work, community activities, cultural engagements, religious practices, volunteering, and sports, many women spend a significant amount of time on household duties. The data points to a significant gender influence here - women predominantly shoulder unpaid responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are generally more engaged in paid work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that globally, men spend an average of 83 minutes per day on unpaid care work, while women devote three times more time with 265 minutes. In India, the gender gap is even more pronounced, women spend 297 minutes daily on unpaid care work, compared to men who spend only 31 minutes. India's first Time Use Survey (TUS), conducted by the National Statistical Organization (NSO) in 2019, gives us more insight into this gender gap.

1. The average time women spend on unpaid work is 7.3 times that of men

*TUS activity classification as per International
Classification of Activities for Time Use Statistics 2016 (ICATUS 2016)

The gender disparity in time allocation is the highest with regard to time spent on unpaid domestic work and caregiving services, followed by employment and related activities. The ILO estimates that unpaid care work is amongst the most critical barriers preventing women from joining and remaining in the workforce. This disproportionate burden of unpaid care work creates “time poverty”, which limits women’s ability to engage in paid work and acquire the skills they need for better job opportunities.

2. The highest duration of time women dedicate to paid employment is observed in the western and southern areas

According to a report titled "Viewport 2022: Top Cities for Women in India", which analysed Indian cities on four metrics – women's ease of living, women's safety, women’s representation rate in employment and women’s empowerment initiatives, the South and West regions attract more women, with average scores of 46.17 and 41.13, respectively. North Indian cities rank third (36.03), followed by the Central (31.17) and East (29.43) regions.

In the southern states of India, women's participation in regular jobs is higher compared to the northern states due to a highly educated society and women's freedom in decision-making. On the other hand, North India tends to be more patriarchal and feudal, leading to more restrictions on women's behaviour, and limited access to work opportunities.

3. The north-eastern regions showcase the least disparity in time allocation for household work between women and men

The northeastern states, known for having societies with a more gender-neutral outlook, have higher male participation in domestic household work compared to other regions of the country. For example, the existence of matrilineal societies in Meghalaya, where children receive their mother's last name, husbands move into their wife's home, and the youngest daughters inherit the ancestral property.

Women in the northeast dominate public spaces. Women of all age groups can be found running small and big businesses. Asia's largest all-women 'Mother's Market' is in Manipur, where only married, divorced, or widowed women set up stalls to sell everything from daily essentials to fancy items.

4. Cleaning and cooking show the most pronounced gender gap in household tasks

Most households prefer home-cooked meals; thus, it is not surprising that a major part of women's time is allocated to cooking. Cooking has been associated with the female identity and ascribed gender roles, so much so that men in India are seldom encouraged to learn how to cook.

Social norms dictate that women perform unpaid labour. The consequences for straying from the norm can be harsh. OXFAM India’s 2019 household care survey found that one in three respondents thought it acceptable to beat a woman for failing to care well for the children or for not attending to a dependent, ill or adult member in the household.

Women in India often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of time for themselves. It is important to address the gender divide in household duties and paid employment to create a more equitable society for women in India. This can be done by challenging traditional gender roles, providing more economic opportunities for women, and challenging social norms. For instance, in Jharkhand, a workforce of over 50,000 skilled women masons has defied stereotypes by building toilets under Swatch Bharat Mission, contributing significantly to the state's attainment of open-defecation-free status.

Additionally, accessible crèches would reduce the time and energy women have to spend on childcare. Similarly, schemes to ensure the availability of drinking water (Jal Jeevan Mission) and cooking gas (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) would reduce the time women have to spend on collecting water and firewood. Moreover, steps to ensure women’s right to property and assets can help provide them with financial security and recognise their contribution to the household.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.