India’s school education sector has reached a historic milestone: female teachers now make up 53.3% of the teaching workforce, the highest proportion ever recorded. According to the 2023-24 UDISE+ data, this shift highlights steady growth in women’s representation in the education field over the past decade, driven largely by private school employment.
Milestone in Female Representation
In 2018-19, men slightly outnumbered women among school teachers, with 50.01% of the workforce comprising male teachers. Of the total 94.3 lakh teachers, 47.16 lakh were men and 47.14 lakh were women. However, by 2023-24, the number of female teachers rose to 52 lakh, while the count of male teachers decreased to 45 lakh.
This trend saw women surpass 50% representation in 2019-20, with consistent annual growth since. Notable jumps occurred between 2022-23 and 2023-24, as women’s share rose from 51.3% to 53.3%, highlighting a significant shift in gender dynamics.
Contrast in Higher Education
While progress in school education is noteworthy, higher education continues to present gender disparities. As per the 2021-22 All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), women accounted for only 43% of higher education teaching staff, compared to 57% men.
Growth Driven by Private Schools
Private schools have played a pivotal role in increasing the number of female teachers, with a 20% rise in women’s employment from 2018-19 to 2023-24. In contrast, government schools reported a modest 6% increase in female teachers during the same period.
State-Wise Trends
Several states report a strong female presence in government schools:
- Kerala: 78% of government school teachers are women.
- Tamil Nadu: 67% women.
- Punjab: 64% women.
- Delhi: 61% women.
These states are leading the way in promoting gender parity within teaching roles.
Implications for the Future
The increasing presence of female teachers in school education represents progress toward greater gender equality in the workforce. However, the disparity in higher education underscores the need for targeted efforts to extend this progress across all levels of education.
The trends reflect a broader cultural shift, with more opportunities opening for women in education. Sustained efforts to promote inclusivity and support female educators in leadership roles could further transform the education sector in the coming years.
