India’s Economic Ambitions Rest on Empowering Women in Manufacturing

By Parmesh Shahani

NEW DELHI (India CSR): India’s factory shop floors are steadily becoming more gender diverse, but genuine inclusion remains unfinished work. Women today constitute over a third of India’s manufacturing workforce, up from less than a quarter in 2000. Between 2017–18 and 2023–24, they accounted for nearly three-quarters of net new jobs created in the sector. Women are clearly driving manufacturing growth and contributing significantly to India’s Viksit Bharat ambitions.

Yet most shop floors are still not built to meet their needs. From inadequate security and privacy to insufficient washrooms and basic facilities, structural gaps persist. While several large corporations have made deliberate efforts to create women-friendly workplaces, a substantial share of manufacturing employment lies in the informal sector, where enterprises often lack the scale or commitment to make necessary changes.

At Godrej, focused DEI initiatives have begun transforming shop floors. At the Godrej Chemicals facility in Ambernath, the number of women employees increased tenfold, from four to 40—between April 2022 and October 2023. However, such examples remain exceptions rather than the norm. The absence of inclusive infrastructure leads to preventable attrition, limiting female participation and imposing an economic cost.

The economic case is clear. In 2018, the World Bank noted that India could add 1.5 percentage points to annual GDP growth if women’s workforce participation rose to 50%. As of 2023–24, female workforce participation stands at 41.7%, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey. With manufacturing positioned as a core engine of India’s economic strategy, shop floors must evolve to unlock their full growth potential.

Security is the starting point. Factories must ensure safe, bias-free environments supported by strong anti-harassment mechanisms and credible reporting systems. Well-lit premises, women wardens in dormitories, and sensitisation workshops for male employees are practical measures that strengthen workplace culture and safety.

Safety must also extend beyond factory gates. With round-the-clock operations and late shifts, secure commuting arrangements are critical. Flexible shift structures are equally important. Many women balance professional responsibilities with primary caregiving roles at home. Accommodating these realities through thoughtful scheduling can significantly improve retention and morale.

Basic facilities cannot be overlooked. Adequate clean washrooms, women-only changing spaces, paid menstrual leave policies, and accessible medical support uphold dignity at work. Beyond essentials, shop floor design itself requires reconsideration, adjusting console heights, redesigning protective equipment, and ensuring tools are ergonomically suited for women can make meaningful differences.

Finally, allyship, particularly from families and communities, plays a decisive role. Support at home can determine whether women pursue opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sectors like manufacturing. Initiatives that engage families and celebrate women’s achievemen6ts help extend inclusion beyond factory walls.

Nari Shakti is more than a slogan. It is a recognition of women’s growing role in shaping India’s industrial and economic future. To fully realise that potential, India’s shop floors must become spaces where women feel secure, valued, and empowered to thrive.