Work Participation by women
Kerala has a very progressive past with different social movements working in the society from very early periods. As a result social uplift took place in most of the area. Educational institutions were established by the social groups which helped educating even women. This trend continued and even now Kerala women are highly educated compared to other States. This is is reflected in the 'Gender Development Index' (GDI), which is highest for Kerala. This is because of high level achievements in education and health by Kerala women.At the same time in another factor Kerala is behind many other States. This factor is 'work participation ' by women which is also factor contributing to GDI. As per Census 2011, the work participation is just 18.2 % in Kerala. Another study showed this figure as 16.1%. This low level is shared by States such as Punjab, Hariyana, UP, Kashmir, West Bengal and a few others. Those States which have more than 30.1% include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
