Empowering Women in the Indian Blue Collar Workforce: Strategies for Gender Equality
By Nilesh Dungarwal
India’s blue-collar workforce, encompassing various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and services, plays a vital role in the country’s economic growth. However, it has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, with limited participation from women. Achieving gender equality in the blue-collar workforce is essential not only for social progress but also for unlocking the untapped potential of millions of women.
Gender Disparity in the Indian Blue Collar Workforce
Limited Participation:
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the employability gender gap in India is 50.9%, with only 19.2% of women in the labor force compared to 70.1% of men. In the blue-collar sector, this gender gap is more pronounced due to various societal, cultural, and economic factors.
Occupational Segregation:
Women tend to be concentrated in low-skilled and low-paying jobs within the blue-collar workforce, such as garment workers, domestic helpers, or agricultural laborers. There is a stark underrepresentation of women in skilled trades and technical roles.
Wage Gap:
On average, women in the blue-collar workforce earn significantly less than their male counterparts, contributing to economic disparities and perpetuating gender inequalities. Results of a survey conducted by WorkIndia indicate that the average salary for men in the blue-collar industry is Rs. 18,612, whereas women receive an average salary of Rs. 15,410. This highlights a substantial difference of 17.2% in earnings between men and women.
Addressing Challenges: Strategies for Empowering Women
Education and Skills Development:
Promoting education and vocational training programs specifically targeted at girls and women can help bridge the skill gap. Encouraging their participation in technical and trade schools equips them with the necessary skills to access higher-paying jobs.
Awareness and Advocacy :
Raising awareness about women’s rights, equal opportunities, and the benefits of gender diversity is crucial. Advocacy campaigns, including media and community outreach programs, can challenge social norms, break stereotypes, and foster acceptance of women in non-traditional roles.
Promoting Entrepreneurship:
Supporting women-owned businesses and facilitating access to credit, market linkages, and training programs can enable women to establish their own enterprises within the blue-collar sector. Entrepreneurship provides economic independence and empowers women to create job opportunities for others.
Workplace Policies and Safety:
Implementing policies that ensure safe and inclusive work environments is vital. Companies should adopt strict anti-discrimination policies, provide maternity benefits, and establish mechanisms to address grievances effectively. Promoting workplace safety measures and addressing concerns such as sexual harassment will create a conducive atmosphere for women’s participation.
Government Initiatives:
Government bodies should enact and enforce laws that protect women’s rights, enforce equal pay regulations, and provide incentives for organizations that promote gender equality. Collaborations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), industry associations, and educational institutions have and can drive impactful initiatives.
Empowering women in the Indian blue-collar workforce is not only a matter of social justice but also an economic imperative. By addressing the barriers faced by women, such as limited access to education, occupational segregation, wage gaps, and workplace discrimination, we can unlock their immense potential. Through education and skills development, advocacy, entrepreneurship support, workplace policies, and government initiatives, we can create an inclusive ecosystem that fosters gender equality. By embracing women’s full participation in the blue-collar sector, India can drive sustainable economic growth and build a more equitable society for all.
(The author is Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and CEO, WorkIndia, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
