IMPACT OF MATERNAL HEALTH INVESTMENT ON FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION: A STUDY OF IT PROFESSIONALS IN CHENNAI

This study examines the interplay between maternal health investment, workplace policies, and female labour force participation (FLFP) among
IT professionals. Drawing upon Human Capital Theory and Labour Supply Theory, the research investigates both direct and indirect pathways
through which maternal health investment influences women’s participation in the workforce, with workplace policies functioning as a mediating
mechanism. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 300 IT professionals using a structured
questionnaire. Statistical techniques including descriptive analysis, correlation, independent sample t-test, multiple regression, and mediation
analysis were employed to test the hypothesised relationships. The findings reveal that maternal health investment has a significant positive
impact on FLFP, indicating that improved access to maternal healthcare services enhances women’s ability to remain active in the labour market.
Workplace policies also demonstrate a significant positive effect on FLFP, highlighting the importance of organizational support systems such
as maternity benefits, flexible working arrangements, and childcare facilities. Furthermore, workplace policies partially mediate the relationship
between maternal health investment and FLFP, suggesting that maternal health not only directly influences labour participation but also operates
indirectly through supportive organizational environments. The results also indicate significant differences in labour force participation based on
maternal status, with women having children exhibiting distinct participation patterns compared to those without children.
The study contributes to the existing literature by integrating maternal health and workplace institutional factors within a unified analytical
framework, offering empirical evidence from the IT sector. The findings have important policy implications for governments and organizations
aiming to enhance women’s workforce participation through improved maternal health infrastructure and gender-responsive workplace policies.
Keywords: Maternal health investment, Female labour force participation, Workplace policies, Mediation analysis, IT professionals, Human
capital, Labour supply