West Bengal is set to hold elections in two phases, on April 23 and April 29, with results expected on May 4. Both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have made women’s issues central to their campaign manifestos. The parties have outlined various initiatives and promises aimed directly at addressing the needs and concerns of women in the state.

Unemployment Trends for Women in West Bengal

Recent statistics indicate a concerning trend regarding female unemployment in West Bengal. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reported that although the state exhibited an unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent in 2023—lower than the national average of 10 per cent—this favourable scenario deteriorated by 2025 when the unemployment rate for West Bengal climbed to 10.6 per cent, contrasting with a national average of 9.9 per cent.

The challenges in the job market for women are becoming increasingly severe. For young women, the unemployment rate drastically increased from 5.7 per cent in 2022 to a peak of 11.9 per cent in 2024, before experiencing a slight drop to 11.7 per cent in 2025. In comparison, young men initially saw a dip in unemployment, reducing from 9.3 per cent in 2022 to 7.7 per cent in 2023, but this was followed by a rise to 10.2 per cent by 2025.

This escalation in female unemployment highlights a systemic issue that disproportionately affects educated women. Despite their qualifications, a significant disparity exists in unemployment rates between genders. For instance, 15.4 per cent of women with postgraduate degrees find themselves without jobs, compared to just 2.9 per cent of their male counterparts. This troubling trend continues into the graduate category, where 12.5 per cent of women are unemployed compared to 7.1 per cent of men in 2023-24.

The Impact of Skill Development Initiatives

Despite the introduction of various skill development initiatives in the state, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, the labour market’s demand for skilled workers does not appear to be aligning effectively with the education levels of young women. These programmes are designed to enhance employability by providing vocational training and skills education yet have seemingly had a minimal impact in bridging the unemployment gap.

The findings suggest that merely acquiring a higher education does not guarantee employment opportunities for women. The lack of consistent job availability has created a noteworthy gender disparity within the workforce, raising concerns about the efficacy of the existing employment policies and programmes aimed at improving job prospects.

This scenario poses a significant challenge for the upcoming elections, as both parties need to provide comprehensive strategies that address the growing gender unemployment issue while ensuring that promises made in their manifestos translate into concrete actions. The success of these initiatives could be crucial in determining the future political landscape of West Bengal.

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