Investing in women in textile industry crucial for ‘Viksit Rashtra’

Addressing one of India’s largest textile events, ‘Bharat Tex 2024’, a few days ago, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of women in transforming India into a ‘Viksit Rashtra’. He also threw light on how India’s textile industry is intricately connected with empowering women and in propelling the nation’s development.

For the past few decades, India has been one of the most desirable outsourcing locations because of the large labour force, vertical integration of the entire textiles cycle and material resources. With time, the auxiliary industries have also been on the rise. These developments, in turn, are calling a skilled labour force, which is currently in short supply. This is where empowering and upskilling the existing workforce, especially the semi-skilled women, becomes crucial, particularly because women constitute at least 60% of the industry’s 10.5-crore strong workforce in direct and allied sectors.

Investing in women textile workers is not merely a matter of economic necessity but a moral imperative that aligns with the nation’s vision of a truly ‘Vikshit Rashtra’. With the rapid advancement of technology, providing women with access to skill development programs tailored to the demands of the sector will not only enhance their productivity but also enable them to take on higher-value roles within the industry. This, in turn, will not only contribute to their economic well-being but also foster a sense of empowerment and personal growth.

Over the past two decades, skill development has received increased policy attention and investment. The government has recognised the importance of skilling and flagship schemes such as Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector), are among the latest offerings aimed at addressing this very need. However, the private sector also needs to join this endeavour. Several textile companies have already joined the bandwagon in offering scholarships or incentives for women workers to enroll in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs.

As the textile industry undergoes rapid technological advancements, the demand for new job profiles is increasing. Digital merchandisers, pattern makers, laser cutting and assembly operators, apparel data analysts, PLC maintenance specialists, environment specialists, e-textile/apparel specialists, and online retail specialists are just a few examples of emerging roles. They require a diverse set of cognitive abilities, process skills, IT and hardware proficiency, and complex problem-solving capabilities. In this context, TVETs can be the game changers as they provide a direct pathway to acquiring concrete, job-ready skills in a relatively shorter timeframe compared to traditional higher education.

Upskilling women textile workers an economic necessity and also a strategic move to align with global trends. The fashion industry, which sources a significant portion of its garments from India, is increasingly prioritising ethical and gender-inclusive practices. Many brands are actively working to ensure fair treatment and growth opportunities for women workers in their supply chains. As a result, it may not come as a surprise if upskilling becomes a good-to-have practice to a must-have proposition, and become a key component in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scorecards.

Being only the second-largest employer for women after agriculture, the textile industry carries a great potential in impacting the lives of lakhs of women from low-income and developing nations. By investing in their skills and empowering them, the industry can collectively not just expect an uptick in productivity but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

N Chandran, chairman, Eastman Exports