– By Deepa Seshadri
As a woman in technology, I have seen the impact that women have made in my industry. Whether it is artificial intelligence, managing large network infrastructure or developing the latest products that are used by consumers and enterprises alike, women are taking the lead. But there’s one sector that I have been meaning to pen my thoughts about, for a while. It’s the manufacturing sector. If you take a cursory glance at the gender composition of a batch in mechanical engineering, you will know how stark the gender disparity is. The very few women that take up mechanical engineering, prefer to either earn their master’s degree in management or move to the IT industry.
Only a fifth of the workforce in India’s manufacturing sector is women and it has remained constant over the past two decades. To improve gender diversity, the government has been strongly focusing on supporting women entrepreneurs through self-help groups with easy credit from official financing institutions. Several policy incentives have also been rolled out recently for enhancing female involvement in sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Moreover, the government has raised the total gender budgeting amount to Rs 2.23 lakh crore in the Union Budget Estimates (BE) 2023-24 from less than Rs 1 lakh crore in BE 2013-14, with concealed efforts on creating opportunities for women across various sectors. The BE amount is likely to be revised upward in Revised Estimates (RE) for 2023-24.
In India, a nation poised for industrial and technological advancement, the manufacturing sector stands as a cornerstone of economic development. Historically dominated by men, the industry is witnessing a transformative shift with the increasing involvement of women. Their role is evolving from peripheral to central, as they break barriers and redefine norms.
One of the reasons for male dominance that people state is that the manufacturing sector is tough – the shopfloor, remote locations, and similar reasons are brought forth. But if you look at the numbers, this story is changing. A recent study mentioned that the manufacturing sector in Tamil Nadu employs 43% women. The presence of dense manufacturing clusters focused on electronics and automobile manufacturing could be a key reason for this. This statistic also points to the fact that when provided with conducive working conditions without any gender discrimination, women can take the lead in that sector.
The adoption of cutting-edge technologies in manufacturing has opened new avenues for women. Automation, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping the sector, creating roles that require a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills, areas where women are proving to be exceptionally capable. Women’s natural aptitude for meticulous risk analysis and multitasking is particularly advantageous in an industry that is increasingly reliant on precision and efficiency. In cybersecurity, for instance, female professionals are recognised for their analytical skills and attention to detail, attributes that are vital for protecting sensitive data and managing complex network infrastructures.
Some of the largest conglomerates are hiring women engineers for their new businesses, and yes, these roles include working on the shop floor. Better and empathetic employee benefits and policies are playing a key role in bringing about this transformation. Research and development in the manufacturing sector is another area where women are making their mark. Interestingly, the younger generation that’s taking some of the family-run conglomerates into the future comprises women leaders. This is a marked change from times when only a handful of women would be right at the top position in manufacturing firms across sectors.
The strategic importance of women’s participation in manufacturing cannot be overstated as India positions itself as a global manufacturing leader. The success of this ambition relies on leveraging the entire talent pool, with women playing an indispensable role. The integration of women in STEM into the manufacturing sector is not just beneficial but essential for fostering innovation, improving productivity, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
As more women join the manufacturing workforce, they will need women mentors to help them with their professional journey. It places a desired responsibility on the shoulders of women leaders across industries to step up and help the new members of this workforce. It is important to realise this aspect from a strategic point of view and industry bodies should take a leaf out of similar bodies in IT, to enable the work environment for women in manufacturing.
The emergence of women in manufacturing is also a reflection of the broader societal transformation in India. Education and empowerment initiatives have played a critical role in this development. As more women pursue degrees in STEM fields and gain technical expertise, they bring diverse perspectives and innovation to the manufacturing process.
Budget outlook
The Union budget 2024-25 is further expected to focus on women’s welfare with around a 30% YoY spike in gender budgeting in line with the September 2023 Delhi Declaration under the G20 India presidency. It is also necessary to revisit some of the existing schemes in the upcoming budget to ensure an increasing portion of the funds can be earmarked for women’s empowerment. That said, any major policy announcements are unlikely on February 1, as this is an interim budget and a vote on account. The government might focus on improving the ease of doing business, promoting domestic manufacturing, and encouraging private investments.
(Deepa Seshadri is a partner at Deloitte India.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)