Women’s Participation in India’s Manufacturing Sector

India’s ambition for a developed nation, termed Viksit Bharat, hinges on its manufacturing sector. Despite its potential to drive economic growth, women’s participation in this field remains alarmingly low. Recent statistics reveal a decline in the share of women in India’s formal manufacturing sector, from 20.9% in 2015-16 to 18.9% in 2022-23. This translates to only 1.57 million women out of 8.34 million formal workers, denoting a concerning trend in gender disparity.

Current Landscape of Women in Manufacturing

Women constitute a mere fraction of the formal manufacturing workforce. Tamil Nadu stands out, employing 41% of the total female workers in this sector. Conversely, informal manufacturing sees women making up 43% of the workforce. This disparity indicates that while women are engaged in work, they are predominantly relegated to lower-paying, informal jobs.

Comparison with Other Developing Economies

India’s performance in women’s employment in manufacturing lags behind other developing nations, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. A small number of states, specifically Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, dominate the formal female workforce, accounting for nearly 75% of the total. This concentration raises concerns about equitable growth across the country.

Gender Gap in Various States

Certain states, including Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana, exhibit gender gaps in formal manufacturing. In these regions, women represent less than 6% of the workforce. Even in industrialised states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, women make up less than 15% of the formal workforce, indicating a widespread issue of gender disparity.

Sectoral Distribution of Female Workers

Women are predominantly employed in specific industries. In the formal sector, 60% are engaged in textiles, wearing apparel, and food processing. In the informal sector, the wearing apparel and tobacco industries employ the majority. Notably, the tobacco sector has a higher female representation, with over 90% of informal workers being women.

Challenges and Barriers to Participation

The informal sector’s low-paying nature and poor working conditions hinder women’s advancement. Transitioning women into formal employment is crucial for improving their pay and working conditions. Currently, only 6% of women in manufacturing have received formal vocational training, underscoring the need for skill development.

Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance women’s participation, several measures are essential. First, skill training programmes must be prioritised to increase both participation and productivity. Second, improving educational attainment among women is vital, as only 30% have completed secondary education compared to 47% of men. Third, diversifying sectors where women work can lead to better opportunities. Finally, creating safe work environments, like Tamil Nadu’s ‘Thozhi’ scheme for working women hostels, can improve workforce participation.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of women’s education on their employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
2. Explain the role of skill training in enhancing women’s participation in formal manufacturing jobs.
3. What are the challenges faced by women in the informal manufacturing sector? Comment on the implications for their economic empowerment.
4. What is the significance of state-specific interventions in addressing gender disparity in the manufacturing workforce? Provide suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of women’s education on their employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

1. Higher educational attainment leads to better job opportunities; only 30% of women have completed secondary education compared to 47% of men.
2. Education enhances skills and qualifications, making women more competitive in the job market.
3. Educational gaps contribute to lower representation in better-paying formal jobs.
4. Access to education can empower women to pursue careers in diverse sectors, including manufacturing.
5. Improved education correlates with increased economic independence and empowerment for women.

2. Explain the role of skill training in enhancing women’s participation in formal manufacturing jobs.

1. Only 6% of women in manufacturing have received formal vocational training, denoting skills gap.
2. Skill training programs can equip women with the necessary competencies to qualify for better-paying formal jobs.
3. Upskilling increases productivity, benefiting both women and the manufacturing sector as a whole.
4. Training can help transition women from informal to formal employment, improving job security and wages.
5. Targeted skill development initiatives can address the specific needs of women in the manufacturing industry.

3. What are the challenges faced by women in the informal manufacturing sector? Comment on the implications for their economic empowerment.

1. Women in the informal sector often face low wages and poor working conditions, limiting their economic independence.
2. Job security is minimal, with many women lacking access to benefits and protections available in formal employment.
3. The informal sector perpetuates gender disparities, as women are often relegated to lower-paying, less stable jobs.
4. Limited opportunities for advancement hinder women’s economic empowerment and career growth.
5. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving women’s overall economic status and promoting gender equality.

4. What is the significance of state-specific interventions in addressing gender disparity in the manufacturing workforce? Provide suitable examples.

1. State-specific interventions can target unique local challenges, ensuring more effective solutions for gender disparity.
2. For example, Tamil Nadu’s ‘Thozhi’ scheme provides working women hostels, improving safety and support.
3. Tailored programs can increase women’s access to skill training and education, addressing local workforce needs.
4. State initiatives can encourage partnerships with industries to create job opportunities for women in various sectors.
5. Such targeted efforts can lead to more equitable growth and enhance women’s participation in the workforce.