While women contribute significantly to the economy, much of their labor is in the informal sector. Agriculture

This article is part of a series on Global Women’s Lifestyles. For more insights into Indian fashion, wellness, and family dynamics, subscribe to our newsletter.

Most Indian women, particularly in Hindu households, wake up before sunrise. The first act is often rangoli—intricate colored patterns drawn at the doorstep—to welcome prosperity. This is followed by the lighting of the diya (lamp) at the household shrine. The kitchen is the temple’s extension. Preparing a tiffin (packed lunch) for a husband or children is an unspoken act of love, often involving multiple dishes to balance nutrition and taste (sweet, sour, salty, bitter).

Some key statistics that highlight the changing landscape for Indian women include: