India, the world’s fastest-growing major economy, faces challenges in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by the end of the decade. One major hurdle is the lack of jobs for millions of women in the country, hindering its potential for economic growth. Gunasri Tamilselvan, a 22-year-old engineering graduate working at a Finnish electronics manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, is one example of a woman facing pressure from her family to quit her job and get married, highlighting the cultural norms and obstacles that women in India often face in the workforce.
Despite Modi’s efforts to boost India’s economy and create more jobs, the country still lags behind in female workforce participation compared to the global average. Only about one-third of India’s working-age women are active in the labor force, resulting in missed economic opportunities. The World Bank estimates that India could significantly increase its economic growth rate if more women participated in the workforce. India has the potential to become an economic superpower, but the lack of female participation in the workforce poses a significant challenge to achieving this goal.
In contrast to India, China has managed to integrate women into its workforce more effectively, with women contributing over 40% to the country’s economy. The Modi government has introduced policies to encourage more women to join the workforce, such as mandating longer maternity leave and creating opportunities for women in industries like manufacturing. International companies are also looking to diversify their supply chains away from China, providing opportunities for India to attract investment and create more jobs for women.
Companies like Foxconn and Tata Group are expanding their operations in India and hiring more women, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, known for its industrial prowess. Tata Power’s solar cell and module factory in Tamil Nadu, where 80% of the workforce are women, demonstrates the potential for diversity and inclusion in the Indian manufacturing sector. To attract and retain women in the workforce, companies are offering benefits like affordable housing and transportation, addressing concerns about safety and security for women workers.
The Tamil Nadu government is also investing in housing projects for women workers to support its growing manufacturing ecosystem. By providing safe and hygienic accommodation for female employees, the state aims to enhance the participation of women in the workforce and boost its manufacturing sector. While India may not replicate China’s massive dormitory model for workers, decentralized growth centers like those in Tamil Nadu can offer opportunities for women to work closer to home without the need for extensive migration. By addressing cultural barriers and creating more inclusive policies, India has the potential to empower women in the workforce and drive economic growth.
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