- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:21 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Indian States With Most Working Women: In India, more and more women are stepping out of their homes and joining the workforce. From cities to villages, women are working in different fields like farming, teaching, government jobs, IT, healthcare and small businesses. While the overall percentage of working women in the country is still lower than men, some states are showing great progress in women’s participation in the economy.
Certain Indian states have created better opportunities, safe work environments, and strong support systems that encourage women to work. In many places, cultural traditions, education and government schemes also play an important role in helping women become financially independent. For example, in states like Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, women work in both rural and urban areas with equal importance. In tribal and hilly areas, women are more involved in agriculture and daily economic activities. In urban states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu, women are joining industries, schools, and offices in large numbers.
This list highlights the top 10 Indian states with the highest percentage of working women, showing how each region supports women’s growth in different ways. These states set a strong example of how empowering women can lead to stronger families, communities, and economies.
| Rank | State | % of Working Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Himachal Pradesh | 63.1% |
| 2 | Sikkim | 58.5% |
| 3 | Chhattisgarh | 52.1% |
| 4 | Meghalaya | 44.1% |
| 5 | Telangana | 41.8% |
| 6 | Tamil Nadu | 38.3% |
| 7 | Maharashtra | 37.7% |
| 8 | Andhra Pradesh | 37.6% |
| 9 | Rajasthan | 37.6% |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | 37.2% |
Source: Press Information Bureau
1. Himachal Pradesh – 63.1%
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Top Indian states with most working women (Image: Canva)
Himachal Pradesh has the highest number of working women in India. One major reason is the strong presence of women in farming, government jobs and teaching. The state's hilly terrain and rural lifestyle also encourage women to be active in agriculture and small businesses. Education levels among women are quite good, and families here are more open to women working.
2. Sikkim – 58.5%
In Sikkim, women have always played an important role in both home and economic life. The state supports women in farming, tourism, and small enterprises. Also, the local culture promotes gender equality and independence for women. Many women are also involved in organic farming and eco-friendly businesses.
3. Chhattisgarh – 52.1%
Women in Chhattisgarh are actively involved in agriculture, forest produce collection and rural employment schemes like MGNREGA. Tribal communities in the state have a tradition of women working alongside men. Government schemes and self-help groups have also helped boost women’s participation in work.
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4. Meghalaya – 44.1%
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Top Indian states with most working women (Image: Canva)
Meghalaya follows a matrilineal system, where women play a central role in families and society. This naturally encourages women to work and contribute to the economy. Many women here are engaged in farming, weaving and running small shops and businesses.
5. Telangana – 41.8%
Telangana has seen rapid urban growth and industrial development, especially in cities like Hyderabad. Many women are working in IT, education, health, and the garment sectors. Government policies supporting women entrepreneurs and SHGs (Self-Help Groups) have also helped increase employment opportunities for women.
6. Tamil Nadu – 38.3%
Tamil Nadu has a strong presence of women in the textile industry, manufacturing units, education, and healthcare. Urban and rural women alike are encouraged to work, and many government schemes support women’s employment. Social awareness and literacy also play a key role.
7. Maharashtra – 37.7%
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Top Indian states with most working women (Image: Canva)
In Maharashtra, women are actively involved in both rural and urban jobs. Cities like Mumbai and Pune offer jobs in IT, banking, healthcare and education. In rural areas, women are involved in farming and cottage industries. Women’s self-help groups are also quite strong in the state.
8. Andhra Pradesh – 37.6%
Andhra Pradesh has seen a steady rise in women joining the workforce, especially through rural employment schemes and small-scale industries. The government has focused on women’s empowerment through skill development programs and loans for small businesses, which has helped boost employment.
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9. Rajasthan – 37.6%
Although traditionally known as a conservative society, Rajasthan has made progress in women’s employment through rural jobs and government schemes. Women here are involved in handicrafts, farming, and self-help groups. Government efforts to improve girl child education are slowly changing mindsets.
10. Madhya Pradesh – 37.2%
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Top Indian states with most working women (Image: Canva)
In Madhya Pradesh, women contribute to the workforce mainly through agriculture, handloom, and small businesses. Government programs like Ladli Laxmi Yojana and women’s cooperatives have encouraged more women to work. Rural employment schemes also offer stable jobs for many women.
