“Uttar Pradesh’s innovative skill development programs are transforming women’s participation in the workforce. Targeting diverse sectors, these initiatives offer training in digital skills, healthcare, and non-traditional roles, addressing gender gaps and boosting employability. With government and private partnerships, the programs aim to empower women, enhance economic growth, and bridge the skill divide, fostering inclusivity and career advancement.”
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Women’s Workforce Participation with Skill Initiatives
In a bid to enhance women’s participation in India’s workforce, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has launched a series of skill development programs tailored to empower women across urban and rural areas. These initiatives, driven by the state government in collaboration with private organizations and non-profits, aim to address the gender gap in employment, particularly in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.
The UP government’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has been pivotal, with nearly 50% of its beneficiaries being women, according to recent data from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). In UP, over 1.2 lakh women have been trained under PMKVY in 2024-25, focusing on job roles in digital literacy, retail, apparel, and healthcare. The program emphasizes flexible training schedules and childcare support to accommodate women’s needs, enabling them to balance domestic responsibilities with professional aspirations.
One standout initiative is the UP Skill Development Mission (UPSDM), which has introduced specialized courses in non-traditional fields like electronics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. For instance, over 5,000 women in UP were trained as automation specialists and CNC operators in the past year, breaking stereotypes in male-dominated industries. These courses, aligned with Industry 4.0 demands, are designed to meet the evolving needs of the job market, where digital skills are increasingly critical.
Partnerships with global industry leaders like Salesforce and IBM have further strengthened these efforts. Salesforce’s Trailhead Academy, through its collaboration with UP’s skill mission, has provided free online training to over 10,000 women in the state since 2023, focusing on roles like Salesforce Platform Developer. Success stories like that of Priya Sharma, a 32-year-old from Lucknow who transitioned from a teaching job to a technical instructor role at a tech firm after completing a Salesforce certification, highlight the transformative impact of these programs.
The state has also prioritized rural women through mobile training units and localized skill centers. In districts like Varanasi and Gorakhpur, women are being trained in handicrafts, food processing, and beauty and wellness, sectors with high employment potential. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program under Skill India has certified over 50,000 women in UP for their existing skills, enabling them to secure better-paying jobs. For example, women artisans in Moradabad have gained formal recognition for their metalwork skills, boosting their income by 20-30%.
To tackle barriers like unpaid care work, which keeps many women out of the workforce, UP’s programs offer stipends, transport reimbursements, and safe training environments. The state has also partnered with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat to train women as caregivers and midwives, creating over 15,000 job opportunities in 2024 alone. These roles not only provide stable incomes but also align with national health missions, contributing to broader societal goals.
Despite these strides, challenges remain. Social and cultural biases continue to hinder women’s workforce participation, with only 23% of women in UP engaged in formal employment, as per a 2024 NSSO report. The gender pay gap, though narrowing, persists, with women earning 18% less than men on average. Moreover, the lack of affordable childcare remains a significant obstacle, particularly for rural women.
The UP government is addressing these issues through policy interventions like flexible work arrangements and mentorship programs. Companies like Accenture and LTIMindtree have introduced “returnship” programs in UP, helping women who took career breaks re-enter the workforce. These programs offer mentorship from senior women leaders and flexible work options, with over 2,000 women in UP benefiting in 2024.
The economic impact of these initiatives is evident. A 2025 World Bank report estimates that increasing women’s workforce participation in India by 10% could boost GDP growth by 1%. In UP, with its large population, these programs are critical to harnessing the state’s demographic dividend. By equipping women with market-relevant skills, UP is not only fostering gender equality but also driving sustainable economic growth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government data from the National Skill Development Corporation, and insights from industry partners like Salesforce and IBM. Information is sourced from publicly available reports and may not reflect real-time changes. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources.