Automation Fuels Rise in Women's Employment in Manufacturing Sector

Automation encourages more women to work in manufacturing, decreasing gender inequality in previously male-dominated fields and promoting diversity.

Workplaces that are more inclusive are being made possible by the drive towards automation in India's industrial sector, which is significantly increasing the number of women hired. The Chief Strategy Officer of TeamLease Services, Subburathinam P, believes that automation is changing gender dynamics by giving women in the workforce more chances in addition to modernizing the industry.

Automation has been integrated into production processes as India prepares to become a USD 35 trillion economy by 2047, which has increased the number of female hiring. In an effort to close the gender gap, usually male-dominated fields are progressively becoming more inclusive of women. However, challenges remain, including entrenched societal norms and limited female role models.

In sectors like electric vehicles (EV) and Telecom Ancillary Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), companies are actively working towards gender balance, with some setting targets for equal representation. In contrast, industries such as basic and fabricated metals, machinery, and auto components continue to face slower automation adoption, maintaining their traditionally male-centric workforce.

The electronics industry has made significant advances; as a result of increased automation and changing industrial policies, women now make up 70–80% of the workforce. In the same way, usually a larger proportion of women have worked in the textile and garment industries.

Gender inequality still exist in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries despite these achievements. Businesses are launching focused programs to enhance inclusivity and diversity, which is indicative of a larger movement in the manufacturing industry toward gender parity.