Equality and

Employment:
Navigating the
Intersection of
Gender
and Joblessness
 Certificate
This is certified to be the Bona fide work of
Parth Jain, Pranav Garg, Pushkar, Ridham,
and Sagar Gupta of class 12th -B, roll numbers
21, 22, 25, 26 & 31 respectively on Social
Issues as a part of ALS Project Work during
the academic year of 2024-2025 as per the
guidelines issued by Central Board of
Secondary Education.

Mrs Ekta Kalra

 Table of Contents
1. Preface - 01

2. Abstract - 02

3. Introduction - 03

4. Unemployment 04 – 21
 Types of Unemployment
 Causes of Unemployment
 Unemployment in India
 Youth Unemployment
 Steps taken by government
 Impact of COVID – 19
 Impact of AI

5. Gender Inequality 21 - 26
 Causes
 Technology and Digital divide
 Bridging the Digital Divide
 Steps that should be taken

6. Conclusions - 27

7. Bibliography -28

8. Learnings - 29
 Preface
The project is based on major
emerging social issues –
“unemployment and gender
inequality”. It is very significant to
study about these. We will know
more about our country, what
population of India is employed,
causes of unemployment, does
gender inequality still grows between
us and, anymore. While studying we
shall conclude ways to eliminate or at
least decrease the level they are at.
 Abstract
This report will lay emphasis on
unemployment and gender inequality
from getting: -

• To know more about

unemployment and gender
inequality.
• To figure out impact and causes of
unemployment and gender
inequality,
• To evaluate the current situation of
these in India.
• Impact of COVID-19.
• Some ways to eliminate them.
 Introduction
Unemployment is a phenomenon
which occurs when a person who is
actively searching for employment is
unable to find work. The
unemployment rate is the percentage
of the labour force without work and
Gender Inequality is discrimination on
the basis of sex or gender causing one
sex or gender to be routinely
privileged or prioritized over another.
Gender equality is a fundamental
human right and that right is violated

by gender-based discrimination.
 TYPES OF
UNEMPLOYMENT

1. FRICTIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
The unemployment caused due to economic
frictions arising from changes in employer’s
demand for different types of labour.

2. SEASONAL UNEMPLOYMENT
This type of unemployment exists due to the
seasonal nature of some industries. In India, This
type of unemployment is observed in agriculture
sector.
3. TECHNOLOGICAL UNEMPLOYMENT
This type of unemployment is caused due to
technological advancements which have led to the
decline in demand for manual labour.

4. RESIDUAL UNEMPLOYMENT
In every country, there is always a residue of
unemployment, due to frictional and seasonal
causes, which planners and policy makers cannot
reduce. In addition, there might be some people
who are not willing to work but get their names
registered with employment exchanges in order to
get the compensation amount from the
government.

5. STRUCTURAL UNEMPLOYMENT
This type of unemployment is observed due to a
change in the structure of economy. This type of
unemployment occurs due to rise of one industry
and decline of the other.
6. CYCLICAL UNEMPLOYMENT
Majorly unemployment is caused due to change in
economy. However, in 1930s and 1980s, the most
severe unemployment type was experienced as a
result of great economic depression.

7. HIDDEN UNEMPLOYMENT
This form of unemployment is also called
disguised. unemployment. During temporary fall
in demand, employers retain a great number of
employees. This ensures them no shortage of
labour once the demands go up again.
 CAUSES OF UNEMPLOYMENT

1.Population explosion.
2. Lack of vocational and technical education.
3. Rural areas lured people migrate its cities
for office jobs.
4. Many people are physically unfit for hard
manual jobs.
5 Shyness towards factory jobs.
6. More preference for white collard jobs.
7. Negative reaction of the society towards
certain jobs.
8. Lack of vocational education results in
backwardness untechnical skill requiring
jobs.

Unemployment in India
Although there are many reasons for the
unemployment in India, here are some
major ones mentioned:
1. Growth of Population
Due to the increase in population. The
competition for a job is massive as a number
of applicants apply for the same job.

2. Lack of interest in Industrial Sector

Most of the youth show interest in profitable
administrative. jobs and refuse to work in
industrial sector.
3. Preference for experienced
The biased nature towards the experienced
candidate over a newer candidate
contributes to unemployment.
4. Decrease in Small-Scale/ Cottage
Industries
The advancement of industrial development has made
the cottage industries to be considerably less
economically attractive, as they do not offer
economies of scale mass production of goods. The
demand for cheap, mass-produced goods outweighs
the desire for goods that are handcrafted by those
with very specific skills and expertise. This results in
the decline of small-scale industries and artisans have
become unemployed as a result.

5. Job Specialisation
Jobs in developed countries have become highly
specialized, but the education system of India doesn’t
match the right training and specialization needed for
these kinds of jobs. Thus, many people who are willing
to work become unemployable due to a lack of
appropriate skills.
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Youth unemployment is the unemployment

defined via young individuals who a jobless aging
from 15 to 24 years, by The UN. To qualify as
unemployed, the person needs to be without
employment, inclined and capable to work, and
actively searching for a job. Your 9/12
unemployment rates have a tendency to be
higher than adult unemployment rates all over
the globe.
 STEPS TAKEN BY
GOVERNMENT

1.) Mahatma Gandhi National Real Employment

Guarantee Act.
In 2005, Government of India launched
MGNREGA, which guarantees 100 days of
employment to an unemployed person
belonging to rural area in one year If the
government fails to provide employment,
then they still pay compensation amount to
the applicants.

2.) National Career Service Scheme

The ministry of labour and employment,
India launched a web portal
(www.nes.gov.in). Through this portal,
employees can avail the facility of a common
platform for updating job information.

3.) Rural Employment Guarantee

Programme
This programme aims at creating
employment oppurtunities in rural areas and
small towns. Under this programme, one can
get financial assistance from banks to set up
an enterprise.

4.) Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana

PMRY aims to provide self-employment
opportunities to educated youths who seek
employment.

5.) Swarna Janti Gram Swarozgar Yojna

The basic objective of SGSY in to bring
assisted poor families above poverty line by
providing income generating. assets through
mix of bank credit and subsidy.

6.) Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana

SGRY was launched the government of
India in order to provide additional and
supplementary wage employment and
thereby provide food security and improve
nutritional levels in rural areas.

WAY FORWARD
It is difficult to find an instant answer to the
problem of unemployment Problems can
only be solved in a timely manner if honest
efforts are made.
 1. Population control.
2. Encouragement to cottage industries.
3. Agricultural development.
4. Promotion of vocational courses.
5. Reinforcement of existing policies.

IMPACT OF COVID-19
The overall consequences of unemployment
are not good, while now The coronavirus
pandemic has left a devastating effect of the
economy of India. All the countries are in
lockdown to prevent the spread of
coronavirus. This has taken a toy on the
economy. within a month, the rate of
unemployment increased. from 6.7%. on
March 15, 2010 to 26%. on April 19,2010 It is
estimated that 140 million people lost
employment.

THE IMPACT OF AI ON
UNEMPLOYMENT
Introduction:

 AI advancements in recent years have led to significant

changes in the job market.
 AI is playing an increasing role in various industries such
as manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.
Positive Effects:

 Automation of repetitive tasks allows employees to

focus on more complex and creative work.
 Creation of new job categories, such as AI specialists and
data scientists.
 Increased productivity and efficiency in various sectors.

Negative Effects:
  Displacement of jobs in sectors like manufacturing and
customer service.
 Skills mismatch requiring retraining and upskilling of the
workforce.
 Short-term job losses due to the rapid adoption of AI
technologies.

STATISTICS
 India

o By 2030, around 69% of jobs in India are at risk of automation.

o AI could create over 1 million new jobs in India by 2025,
particularly in tech and IT sectors.
o The AI market in India is projected to grow from $3.1 billion in
2020 to $11.8 billion by 2025.

 Worldwide:
o Approximately 47% of total US employment is at risk of
automation by the early 2030s.
o AI-related fields are expected to create around 2.3 million new
jobs globally by 2025.
o Global AI market is projected to grow from $29.82 billion in 2020
to $299.64 billion by 2026.

Public Perception of AI and Job Security

General Sentiment:
  Public opinion on AI in the workplace is mixed, with both
optimism and concern.
 Surveys indicate that around 37% of people fear AI will
lead to job losses, while 34% believe it will create new
job opportunities.
Concerns:

 Fear of job displacement, especially in roles involving

repetitive tasks.
 Concerns about job quality and the potential for
decreased wages in some sectors.
 Anxiety over the need for continuous learning and
adaptation to keep up with AI advancements.
Optimism:

 Many believe AI will create new job opportunities,

particularly in tech and AI-related fields.
 AI has the potential to enhance job satisfaction by
eliminating mundane and repetitive tasks.
 AI could lead to improved work-life balance by
increasing efficiency and productivity.

Examples:

 The healthcare industry has seen AI assist with

diagnostics, leading to more accurate and faster patient
care.
  In the finance sector, AI is used for fraud detection and
personalized financial advice, creating new roles in AI
oversight and development.
 Quotes: "AI has taken over the repetitive parts of my
job, allowing me to focus on strategic tasks," said a
project manager in a tech company.

GENDER INEQUALITY
Causes of Gender Inequality in India
Gender Inequality is a pervasive issue in India,
impacting Indian women and girls in a variety
of ways. While there are many causes of
gender inequality, some of the most common
include:
 Poverty
Given all the development and recent rise to
prominence, we often forget that India is still
one of the poorest countries in the world, and
it is one of the biggest reasons that lead to
gender inequality in India. Despite the
availability of education in rural areas, families
prefer sending their boys to school rather
than the girls of the family, which is one of the
biggest disadvantages.
 Patriarchal Setup in our Indian Society
Since time immemorial, India has been an
extremely patriarchal society. The patriarchal
setup in Indian society contributed to the
fundamental inequality between men and
women. As women were considered a part of
the household belonging to their father or
husband, they were unable to get a say in any
matters concerning their own development or
that of the community at large.

 Lack of Awareness Among Women

One of the major causes of gender inequality
is the lack of awareness among women about
their rights and their ability to achieve
equality. This lack of awareness is often due to
the prevailing cultural and social norms, which
dictate that women should be subservient to
men. It is important to break down these
barriers and help women become more aware
of their rights so that they can demand
equality.
 Social Customs, Beliefs and Practices
The views of society, customs and cultural
practices play a big role in keeping women at
lower places in the society – refusing them
opportunities, generally provided to men.

TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL

DIVIDE
Access to technology has become crucial for economic and
social development. In India, a significant digital divide
persists, especially along gender lines, limiting women's
access to information and opportunities and perpetuating
gender inequalities. This section explores the causes,
impacts, and potential solutions to bridge this digital divide.

The Extent of the Digital Divide

1. Access to Digital Technology
o Ownership of Devices: Only 21% of women in India own a
smartphone compared to 42% of men. This gap is more
pronounced in rural areas where cultural norms and
economic constraints further limit women's access to
technology.
 o Internet Connectivity: As of 2019, only 33% of internet
users in India were women, with rural women being the
most disadvantaged.

2. Digital Literacy
o Education and Training: Women often lack basic digital
skills due to educational disparities, particularly in rural
and economically disadvantaged areas.
o Gender Norms: Societal attitudes often discourage
women from engaging with technology, as they are
expected to focus on domestic duties rather than
professional or educational pursuits.

Impact of the Digital Divide

1. Economic Opportunities
o Employment and Entrepreneurship: Access to digital
technology opens up numerous economic opportunities.
The digital divide limits women's economic potential and
contributes to the overall gender pay gap.
o Financial Inclusion: Without access to digital financial
services, women remain excluded from essential financial
activities, hindering their economic empowerment.

2. Education and Learning

o Remote Learning: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted
the critical role of digital technology in education. Girls
without access to digital devices and the internet were
disproportionately affected.
o Skill Development: Women who lack access to digital
platforms miss out on acquiring new skills essential in a
rapidly changing job market.

3. Social and Political Participation

o Information Access: Women without internet access are
less likely to be aware of their rights and available
resources, limiting their societal participation.
 o Political Engagement: Digital exclusion reduces women's
ability to engage in political processes and civic activities.

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL

DIVIDE
1. POLICY INTERVENTIONS
o Government Initiatives: Programs like Digital India and
PMGDISHA aim to enhance digital literacy and internet
access in rural areas. These programs must be gender-
sensitive to ensure women benefit equally.
o Subsidies and Incentives: Providing subsidies for digital
devices and internet connectivity can make technology
more affordable for women.

2. COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS
o Digital Literacy Campaigns: NGOs and community
organizations can promote digital literacy among women
through tailored training programs.
o Local Access Points: Establishing community internet
centers in rural and underserved areas can provide
women with access to digital technology and training.

3. ENCOURAGING FEMALE PARTICIPATION IN STEM

o Education Reforms: Encouraging girls to pursue STEM
education can help address the gender gap in technology
use and innovation.
 o Role Models and Mentors: Highlighting successful women
in technology and providing mentorship opportunities can
motivate young women to pursue careers in tech.

Steps That Should be Taken to Eliminate

Gender Inequality
1. Promote Education for All Genders: Ensure equal access to quality
education and teach about gender equality from an early age.

2. Implement and Enforce Anti-Discrimination Laws: Strengthen and

enforce laws prohibiting gender discrimination in all areas.

3. Encourage Women in Leadership: Support women's participation in

leadership roles across all sectors with policies that facilitate their
advancement.

4. Close the Pay Gap: Eliminate the gender pay gap through equal pay
for equal work, regular pay audits, and transparent pay structures.

5. Support Work-Life Balance: Introduce flexible working hours, parental

leave, and affordable childcare to support work-life balance for all
genders.

6. Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Norms: Address and challenge

harmful stereotypes and norms, promoting diverse representations in
media and education.

7. Provide Access to Reproductive Health Services: Ensure access to

comprehensive reproductive health services, including family planning
and maternal health care.

8. Promote Gender-Sensitive Education: Integrate gender studies into

curricula to raise awareness and understanding of gender issues.
9. Support Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Fund and establish
support services for victims, enforce strict laws against perpetrators, and
provide legal aid and counseling.

10. Engage Men and Boys: Involve men and boys in advocating for
gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles.

Conclusion
Addressing unemployment and gender inequality
in India is crucial for achieving sustainable
economic growth and social justice. Despite
progress, women still face significant barriers in
education, employment, and wages due to
cultural norms and systemic discrimination.
Comprehensive policy interventions, such as
improving access to education, enforcing equal
pay laws, and promoting female
entrepreneurship, are essential. Collaborative
efforts from the government, private sector, and
civil society can help bridge these gaps, ensuring
that women have equal opportunities to
contribute to and benefit from India's economic
development. Achieving gender equality in the
labor market will lead to a more equitable and
prosperous society.

Bibliography
The following texts were referred:
• The times of India
• Hindustan Times
• Economics Times Other referred
resources: www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
www.un.org www.niti.gov.in
www.worldbank.org
https://chatgpt.com/c/9e9d15f7-416a-48e6-a4c5-7228fc2dc437
 Learnings
 Sagar Gupta
Through this project on unemployment and gender
inequality, I learned about the intricate links between
joblessness and gender disparities. It highlighted how
socio-economic factors disproportionately affect women,
exacerbating inequality. My experience deepened my
understanding of the need for targeted policies and
inclusive economic strategies to address these issues. It
emphasized the importance of promoting equal
opportunities and creating supportive environments for all
genders in the workforce.

 Pushkar
I had great learning experience while working on the
English ALS project. It helped me in gaining knowledge and
understanding the societal challenges like unemployment
and gender discrimination. As the future generation of our
country, this project made me aware of my responsibilities
in order to curb these issues. It instilled the value of
teamwork, coordination and collaboration. At last I would
like to extend my gratitude to our teacher and my partners
in project who guided and supported me in completing
this project timely.
 Ridham
I had an eye-opening experience working on a
project about social issues. This project, which
focused on the multifaceted challenges faced by
our society, not only broadened my understanding
of these issues but also significantly enhanced my
outlook. It has taught me to approach problems
with a critical mind, to empathize with others, to
appreciate the power of collective action and
effective communication. It was my first time doing
a project related to these types of issues and
therefore I am grateful to my teammates for their
guidance and support, which were instrumental in
successfully completing this project.
 Pranav
I had an insightful and informative experience
working on the project titled "Equality and
Employment: Navigating the Intersection of
Gender and Joblessness." This collaborative effort
allowed us to explore the intricate relationship
between gender disparities and unemployment. By
regular discussions, we gained a comprehensive
understanding of the topic. This project
underscored the importance of addressing gender
inequality in the workforce. I am immensely
 grateful to our teacher and my team members for
their support in completing this project.
 Parth
I had a great experience while working in team on
the topic of unemployment and was a
collaborative and enlightening experience. We
divided tasks effectively, with each member
researching different aspects such as causes,
impacts on society. Regular meetings allowed us to
share findings, discuss insights, and refine our
approach. Through this process, we gained a
comprehensive understanding of the issue. It was
rewarding to contribute our individual experience
towards creating a well-rounded presentation that
addressed various facets of
unemployment comprehensively.