Women Hold Only 1 in 5 Blue-Collar Jobs in India: Survey
Despite being a significant contributor to the country’s economy, women in India continue to face numerous challenges in the blue-collar workforce. According to a recent survey conducted by Indeed, women hold only one in five jobs in India’s blue-collar sector. The survey, which covered 2,673 blue-collar women workers and 1,262 employers across 14 industries, highlights the persisting gender gap in the Indian workforce.
The survey revealed that despite 73% of employers hiring women in 2024, the female participation rate in the blue-collar workforce remained at a mere 20%. This stark reality underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by women in this sector.
One of the primary reasons for the low participation rate of women in blue-collar jobs is the rigid work schedules often demanded by employers. Many women are forced to choose between their careers and family responsibilities, leading to a significant drop in their participation rate. The survey found that 60% of women blue-collar workers reported that their work schedule conflicted with their family responsibilities.
Another significant challenge faced by women in the blue-collar workforce is wage inequality. Despite working in the same roles as their male counterparts, women are often paid lower wages. The survey revealed that 55% of women blue-collar workers reported that they were paid lower wages than their male colleagues for the same work.
Upskilling and reskilling are crucial for the growth and development of any industry. However, women in the blue-collar sector face significant barriers in accessing training and development programs. The survey found that 45% of women blue-collar workers reported that they did not have access to training and development opportunities, which is a significant concern for their career advancement.
The survey also highlighted the lack of representation of women in leadership positions in the blue-collar sector. Only 15% of women blue-collar workers reported that they worked under a female supervisor or manager, indicating a significant lack of role models and mentors for women in the sector.
The findings of the survey are a wake-up call for policymakers, employers, and society at large. It is essential to create an environment that supports and empowers women to participate in the blue-collar workforce. Some of the measures that can be taken include:
- Providing flexible work arrangements that allow women to balance their work and family responsibilities
- Implementing policies that promote equal pay for equal work
- Providing access to training and development programs that help women upskill and reskill
- Increasing the representation of women in leadership positions
- Creating a culture that values and respects the contributions of women in the blue-collar workforce
The government and employers can play a significant role in promoting women’s participation in the blue-collar workforce. Some of the steps that can be taken include:
- Implementing policies that promote women’s participation in the workforce, such as providing childcare facilities and flexible work arrangements
- Providing training and development programs that cater to the needs of women blue-collar workers
- Increasing the representation of women in leadership positions
- Creating a culture that values and respects the contributions of women in the blue-collar workforce
In conclusion, the survey highlights the significant challenges faced by women in the blue-collar workforce in India. It is essential to create an environment that supports and empowers women to participate in the workforce. By implementing policies and programs that promote women’s participation, we can create a more inclusive and equitable workforce that benefits everyone.
