The gender matters of manufacturing

Does the manufacturing industry suffer from a gender gap?

- Sujatha Vishnuraj

While the employment rate for women (32.7%) still trails that of men (76.8%), India has seen progress toward lowering gender inequality in many industries. One sector, however, is lagging: manufacturing.

Let's admit it. In the realm of manufacturing, a gender gap persists, particularly in India where female representation in the sector remains significantly lower than that of their male counterparts. To solve this problem, if I may call it so, one has to first understand the complex issues influenced by a combination of societal, cultural and structural factors. Traditional gender roles, biases, and stereotypes have perpetuated the notion that manufacturing is a male-dominated industry, leading to limited opportunities for women to enter and progress within the sector. To add to this, there are inherent biases in recruitment processes, lack of supportive policies and inadequate access to education and training.

The disparity has been evident for years, but now more than ever, it is being openly discussed in companies and boardrooms. This is especially true as diversity and the need to leverage all talent sources become increasingly urgent for the sector. Where does this significant gap originate? Why does it endure? And what steps can companies take to address this imbalance?

Women constitute nearly 50% of the world's population. This represents a vast talent pool that could be utilised in the manufacturing sector, a sector that plays a crucial role in a country's economic growth and development. Women have demonstrated through example their capability to lead from the front. Here are some examples that challenge the notion of gender disparity. Their stories are an inspiration to all of us, and they show that women can achieve anything they set their minds to.

•Lisa Su: President and CEO of AMD, a leading semiconductor company. Su is the first woman to lead a major semiconductor company.