Women Participation in Manufacturing and Allied Sectors: Trends, Challenges, and the Way Forward

Introduction

India's manufacturing sector, long regarded as a male-dominated domain, is gradually witnessing an evolution in terms of gender inclusivity. Women are stepping into various roles across manufacturing and allied sectors like construction, logistics, and supply chains. While there has been a positive movement in terms of awareness and policy frameworks, the overall participation of women in these industries remains far below global benchmarks.

In this article, we will analyze the sector-wise workforce participation of women in manufacturing and allied sectors in India, assess trends over time, and identify reasons for stagnation or improvement. A comparative analysis with global trends will provide context, and we will explore how platforms like WIMA (Women in Manufacturing) can help organizations and individuals foster greater participation of women in these industries.

Women’s Workforce Participation: An Overview

The manufacturing sector contributes significantly to India’s GDP, with the government aiming to achieve 25% of GDP from manufacturing under its Make in India initiative. However, women’s participation in manufacturing stands at a meager 12% compared to the global average of 30-35%.

Sector-wise Breakdown in India

1. Core Manufacturing ???:

- In industries such as automotive, machinery, and heavy engineering, women’s participation remains under 10%.

- Many roles require technical expertise or involve physically demanding tasks, creating barriers for women due to social perceptions and lack of inclusive workplace infrastructure.

2. Textile and Garments ??:

- Women dominate this sector, constituting nearly 60-70% of the workforce. However, most women are engaged in low-skilled roles with limited upward mobility.

3. Pharmaceuticals and Electronics ????:

- Women’s participation in pharmaceuticals is around 20-25%, with better representation in quality control, packaging, and research roles.

- In electronics manufacturing, women account for 30% of the workforce, especially in assembly-line jobs in urban industrial hubs.

4. Construction and Infrastructure ???:

- Women’s participation remains alarmingly low at 7-8%, primarily limited to unskilled labor roles.

- The lack of safety measures, wage gaps, and lack of skill training deter women from entering higher-value roles.

5. Logistics and Supply Chains ????:

- Women hold 10-12% of positions in logistics and warehousing, primarily in sorting and administrative roles. Gender stereotypes continue to limit their participation in operational roles like transportation and fleet management.

Trends in Women’s Participation: Improvement or Decline?

Historical Trends

Over the past two decades, the women’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) in India has seen a significant decline, dropping from 30% in 2000 to 23.3% in 2023 (World Bank data). In manufacturing and allied sectors, the decline has been sharper due to:

- Structural shifts in the economy.

- Automation replacing semi-skilled labor.

- Socio-cultural barriers and safety concerns.

?? Chart 1: Women Labor Force Participation Trends (2000-2023)

Insight: The decline is largely influenced by economic transitions, societal factors, and lack of formal employment opportunities for women.

While urban manufacturing hubs have seen marginal improvements due to progressive hiring policies, rural and semi-urban participation remains low.

Global Benchmark and Comparisons

Globally, countries like Germany, Japan, and the USA have prioritized gender inclusivity in manufacturing:

- Germany ????: Women make up 29% of the manufacturing workforce, supported by flexible working policies and robust skill development programs.

- USA ????: Approximately 30% of manufacturing roles are held by women, driven by inclusive policies and leadership development initiatives.

- Japan ????: Women’s participation, while historically low, has seen improvement with targeted policies, reaching around 25%.

?? Chart 2: Global Women Workforce Participation in Manufacturing

Key Reasons for Low Participation in India

1. Lack of Skill Development ??:

- Traditional gender roles limit women’s access to technical education and vocational training, preventing their entry into manufacturing and allied sectors.

2. Workplace Safety and Infrastructure ???:

- Safety concerns, lack of sanitation facilities, and absence of gender-sensitive workplace policies deter women from pursuing careers in these sectors.

3. Societal Barriers ??:

- Gender stereotypes and cultural norms discourage women from pursuing careers in male-dominated industries.

4. Wage Gaps ??:

- Women are often paid less than their male counterparts for similar roles, leading to dissatisfaction and attrition.

5. Automation and Job Loss ??:

- Increased automation has disproportionately affected low-skilled jobs, where women are predominantly employed.

How WIMA ( Women in Manufacturing & Allied Sector) Can Support Women and Organizations ????

WIMA (Women in Manufacturing), a platform by Social Bay, plays a crucial role in bridging the gender gap in manufacturing and allied sectors. Here’s how:

• Skill Development and Upskilling ??:
• Mentoring and Leadership Development ??:
• Job Matching and Employability ??:
• Networking and Community Building ??:
• DEI & Hiring Solutions for Organizations ?????:

For more information connect on [email protected]

Conclusion ??

While India’s manufacturing and allied sectors hold immense potential for women, significant efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges. Addressing barriers such as skill gaps, workplace safety, and societal norms can unlock opportunities for women and drive inclusive growth.

Platforms like WIMA play a transformative role in supporting both individuals and organizations to foster a gender-diverse workforce. By investing in women, India can not only achieve global benchmarks but also empower women to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.

Let’s pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant manufacturing sector! ??