International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Skill Development Interventions and Women’s Employment Outcomes: A Comparative Urban–Rural Study of Uttar Pradesh

Skill development has emerged as one of the most significant policy instruments for addressing gender inequality in employment in India. Women’s participation in the labour market remains persistently low, particularly in northern states such as Uttar Pradesh, where socio-cultural norms, limited educational attainment, and structural constraints restrict women’s access to paid work. In this context, government-led skill development programs are expected to enhance employability, income generation, and economic empowerment among women. This paper examines the impact of skill development interventions on women’s employment outcomes in urban and rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Using secondary data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Census of India, and reports of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the study adopts a comparative analytical framework to assess participation patterns, employment outcomes, and sectoral distribution among women beneficiaries. The findings reveal that while skill development programs have increased women’s access to vocational training, their conversion into sustainable and secure employment remains uneven. Urban women benefit relatively more than rural women due to better market access, education levels, and institutional support. The paper argues that skill development alone is insufficient unless supported by gender-responsive policies, post-training employment linkages, and socio-institutional reforms. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening women-centric skill development and employment strategies in Uttar Pradesh.