The manufacturing sector, contributing nearly one-fifth of India's GDP, is pivotal for the nation's economic growth. However, recent data indicates a decline in female participation within this sector.

Current Status:

• Female representation in the formal manufacturing workforce decreased from 20.9% in 2015–16 to 18.9% in 2022–23, equating to 1.57 million out of 8.34 million formal workers.?
• In contrast, women constitute 43% of the workforce in informal manufacturing, highlighting a significant presence in unregulated employment.?
• Tamil Nadu stands out, employing 41% of women in manufacturing roles, while states like Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Haryana report less than 6% female representation in formal manufacturing.

Challenges Identified:

• Skill Development: Only about 6% of women in the sector have received formal vocational training or on-the-job training.
• Educational Attainment: Approximately 30% of women in manufacturing have completed secondary education or higher, compared to nearly 47% of men.
• Workplace Safety: In 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau reported 419 cases of sexual harassment at the workplace, indicating safety concerns.
• Occupational Segregation: A significant concentration of women in textiles, apparel, and food processing industries limits diversification and growth opportunities.

Recommendations:

• Enhance access to skill development programs tailored for women.
• Promote educational initiatives to increase higher education attainment among women.
• Implement stringent measures to ensure workplace safety and address harassment issues.
• Encourage diversification of employment opportunities beyond traditional sectors.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for leveraging the full potential of women in India's manufacturing sector and achieving inclusive economic growth.