I work in an office and I am a woman, which by definition makes me a working woman. That is not to say that women at homes do not work, but as far as data goes, anything that does not generate profit in monetary terms is not considered work. I have on many occasions in my 18 year long publishing journey presented features about India barely utilising half its workforce locked at homes. Notwithstanding household chores­­­­—activities that are barely credited as work, women show a despairing work participation rate in India. This issue explores the why and the wherefrom of the process that keeps women away from seeking active employment.

In a country where women find it difficult to navigate public spaces, working in structured domains is an additional challenge. Migration adds to the unknown, embodying the need for safety for the working woman. Workplaces, despite policies to curb harassment, is a thorny realm. It is no wonder therefore that most abstain, simply drop away, finding solace in the confines of the home. But, as a country are we not losing a valuable resource, equally capable of propelling growth? And, if we are, is it the woman who is at fault? I find it difficult to understand how India’s wise policy formulators imagine that every woman will be able to cough up enough sass to fight the reified patriarchy, after having deftly negotiated one obstacle after the other. You may have noticed how men are conspicuously absent from live televised debates about cases of rape in India. Experts suggest that we are probably barking up the wrong tree—I agree. It is the men who need to see the light, so that capable and dynamic women may find an opportunity to shine.

Happy Reading!