Women’s Informal Mfg.

Declining Formal Participation: Women’s share in formal manufacturing fell from 20.9% in 2015-16 to 18.9% in 2022-23. This underrepresentation hinders India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision.

Regional Disparities: Tamil Nadu employs 41% of women in formal manufacturing. States like Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana have less than 6% female participation.

Informal Sector Dominance: Women constitute 43% of the informal manufacturing workforce, primarily in low-paying jobs. Over 90% of the informal tobacco workforce is female.

Sectoral Concentration: Women in formal manufacturing are concentrated in textiles, apparel, and food processing (60%). There’s a lack of diversity in sectors.

Education & Skills Gap: Only 30% of women in manufacturing have completed secondary education, compared to 47% of men. Only 6% have formal vocational training, limiting access to better jobs.

Upskilling Imperative: Skill training and higher education are crucial to improve women’s participation and productivity in the formal sector.

Need for Sectoral Diversification: Encouraging women’s entry into sectors like automotive and electronics can broaden opportunities.

Safe Work Environments: Creating safe, inclusive workplaces with hostels, transport, and childcare is essential for attracting and retaining women.

Policy Interventions: Strengthening laws like the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act can improve working conditions and promote gender equality.