The participation of women in India’s teaching workforce has seen a significant transformation over the years. According to the latest data from the Unified District Information System for Education, the number of women school teachers increased from 47.1 lakh (49.98 percent) in 2018-19 to 52.3 lakh (53.34 percent) in 2023-24. Women first surpassed the halfway mark in 2019-20, and their representation has steadily grown.
However, disparities persist between private and government schools, with private institutions showing a higher rate of women teacher participation—a 20 percent rise in recent years. Important reasons for this could be their urban-centric locations, which reduce commuting challenges and perhaps better facilities. However, these positions often come with lower salaries, reflecting societal perceptions of women as secondary income earners. Among government schools, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab lead in female teacher representation—at 78, 67 and 64 percent of the respective totals.
Higher education remains a male-dominated domain. Data from the 2021-22 All India Survey on Higher Education shows that women constitute only 43 percent of faculty members. Globally, women dominate teaching roles in primary and secondary education but face a significant drop in tertiary education.
According to Unesco, 68 percent of primary and 54 percent of secondary teachers are women, but only 41 percent of tertiary educators are female. In countries like Latvia and Russia, women represent over 80 percent of primary teachers, while in Sub-Saharan Africa, the figure drops to 41 percent due to systemic and cultural barriers. In India, women’s underrepresentation in higher education reflects deeper societal biases, such as gender discrimination, lack of mentorship, and the disproportionate burden of household responsibilities.
Many scholarly studies have demonstrated the positive impact of female teachers on students’ academic and emotional development. Women bring unique strengths such as empathy, communication skills and nurturing abilities that foster supportive learning environments. Moreover, gender balance among teachers reflects an equitable and inclusive society, and research shows that students, particularly girls, perform better when taught by female educators. Female teachers also play a critical role in addressing sensitive issues like menstruation taboos and child marriage, which often impede girls’ education in developing countries.
However, systemic challenges such as inadequate salaries, unsafe transportation, workplace harassment, and expensive certification processes deter women from entering or advancing in the teaching profession. The dual burden of professional and household responsibilities further limits their capacity for career growth. To address these challenges, institutions must implement family-friendly policies, such as flexible work hours and childcare support.
Governments must adopt targeted measures to address these barriers and promote gender equity in education. Providing housing allowances, transport facilities, and enhanced safety measures for women in remote schools can significantly improve their participation. Expanding financial aid for women pursuing education degrees and offering leadership training can empower women to take on administrative roles.
Bangladesh’s initiative to provide stipends for female teachers in rural areas is a successful model worthy of emulation. Addressing regional disparities and incentivising women’s participation in underrepresented areas would not only improve gender parity but also enhance the overall quality of education.
In early childhood and primary education, female teachers are particularly effective. Studies in educational psychology highlight that classrooms led by female teachers show a 20 percent higher rate of inclusive participation. Women often integrate social-emotional learning and employ cooperative teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs of students.
Beyond academics, female teachers act as confidantes and guides for students. They play a crucial role in fostering gender sensitivity among boys and girls, shaping attitudes, and promoting respect and equality. The economic potential of closing the gender gap in education is immense. A McKinsey report estimates that achieving gender parity in educational roles could add $12 trillion to global GDP.
In higher education, however, balanced representation is essential to foster diversity and inclusivity in research and leadership. Women faculty will bring unique perspectives to academic discourses and drive innovation by addressing issues that may be overlooked in male-dominated environments. Also, the presence of women in leadership roles within academic institutions can inspire a new generation of female students to aspire to similar positions, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Achieving gender balance in higher education requires not only policy interventions but also cultural shifts to challenge deep-rooted stereotypes. Lastly, clear pathways for career advancement, such as transparent promotion policies and recognition programmes, will encourage more women to pursue long-term academic careers. Such empowering steps for women educators would enrich academic environments, foster societal progress and the nation’s holistic development.
(Views are personal)
(johnjken@gmail.com)
John J Kennedy | Professor and Dean, Christ (Deemed) University, Bengaluru