The latest India Skills Report 2025 from Wheebox, a leading global education and talent solutions firm, sheds light on the evolving landscape of women’s employability and their preferred workplaces across India. As more organizations acknowledge the vital role of gender diversity, understanding where women seek professional growth provides crucial insights into regional career trends and aspirations.
Remarkable Growth in Women’s Employability
India has witnessed significant shifts in women’s employability over the past seven years. In 2019, 45.6% of women who took the Global Employability Test were considered employable. This figure climbed to 47% in 2020 before a slight dip to 41.25% in 2021. However, the subsequent years showed a consistent upward trend: 53.28% in 2022, 52.8% in 2023, 50.86% in 2024, and 47.53% in 2025, according to the India Skills Report. These statistics highlight both the progress made and the persistent challenges in empowering women for the workforce.
Top Destinations: Where Women Are Choosing to Build Their Careers
Across the nation, female professionals are increasingly choosing specific states for their career journeys. The Wheebox report identifies the top 10 states preferred by women for employment:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Kerala
- Gujarat
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- Delhi
- Uttar Pradesh
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Haryana
What This Means for Employers
The preferences revealed by this report mirror broader societal and economic dynamics. States that prioritize safety, robust infrastructure, and ample career development opportunities tend to attract more women. Conversely, regions lacking supportive environments for women may experience slower growth in female workforce participation. This valuable data can help employers refine their recruitment strategies and implement policies that foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Paving the Way Forward
Women’s employability is more than just a statistic; it reflects access to education, opportunities, and supportive ecosystems. For women aspiring to advance professionally, understanding these regional trends can be instrumental in selecting environments that actively encourage and enable growth.
As India’s workforce continues its transformation, these ten states are emerging not just as centers of employment, but as pivotal regions where women are actively shaping the nation’s professional future.