New Delhi, Apr 29: India has recorded an improvement in its sex ratio at birth, rising from 904 in 2017–19 to 917 in 2021–23, according to the government’s latest publication, Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data. Released in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the report provides comprehensive gender-disaggregated data across key socio-economic themes to help policymakers design more inclusive strategies.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) stated that the publication compiles indicators on population, education, health, economic participation, decision-making, and gender-related issues. It aims to deepen understanding of evolving disparities and highlight development trends.

One of the key findings is the sustained decline in infant mortality rates for both male and female infants between 2008 and 2023, reflecting improvements in healthcare access and maternal-child health outcomes. In education, the Gross Enrolment Ratio at higher education level has shown progress, rising from 28.5 to 30.2 for females and from 28.3 to 28.9 for males between 2021–22 and 2022–23.

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Labour force participation has also seen a notable rise, particularly among rural women. The participation rate for females aged 15 and above increased from 37.5% to 45.9% between 2022 and 2025, underscoring a shift toward greater economic inclusion.

The report further highlights significant growth in women’s leadership roles. Between 2017 and 2025, men in managerial positions rose by 73.80%, while women in managerial roles surged by 102.54%, indicating a faster pace of progress for women in decision-making positions.

MoSPI emphasized that the publication not only presents socio-economic indicators but also provides metadata for 50 key indicators, clarifying concepts, definitions, sources, and methodology. This ensures transparency and consistency in data interpretation.

By offering evidence-based insights, the report equips policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with valuable tools to frame gender-responsive policies and programs. The government underscored that the data will help advance inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that gender equality remains central to India’s growth story.

The release of this publication marks a significant step in India’s commitment to bridging gender gaps and fostering empowerment across sectors, reinforcing the country’s progress toward achieving its broader development goals.