For any society to grow holistically, gender equality should be a basic tenet. However aware society may be of this fact, the fact is that the concept is still a dream and not a reality.
The electronics industry worldwide and in India is no exception. India’s technology sector, including electronics, has seen a steady growth in the number of women in its workforce, but experts say that gender equality is still a distant goal.
India’s tech sector employs significantly more women than any other private sector in the country: Around 36% of the five million employees in the tech industry are women, according to Nasscom, the industry’s trade association. Yet, gender-based discrimination remains rife.
According to stakeholders and recruitment experts, while specific segments in the industry have engaged women in important roles, there are still many gaps to fill.The electronics industry in India is a thriving sector, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and technological development. However, like many other industries, it has been male-dominated historically. The underrepresentation of women in the electronics sector not only perpetuates gender stereotypes but also limits the potential for innovation and economic growth.
A study conducted by UNICEF in 2020 found that women comprise about 40% of the STEM workforce globally. While women are well represented in industries such as health, education, child care services, employment services, nursing, social services and pharma they are severely under-represented in engineering, technology, and STEM jobs of the future, such as cloud computing, data & artificial intelligence and green economy.
One of the primary reasons why gender equality is critical in the electronics industry is the need for diverse perspectives. Women bring unique insights and experiences to the table, which can lead to more innovative solutions and products. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, companies can tap into a broader range of ideas and approaches, ultimately driving creativity and competitiveness. Research studies on diversity prove that if the entire pool of human talent was tapped, collective performance would drastically improve.
Warren Buffet indicated this skewed talent pool by stating that one of the reasons for his huge success was that he was competing with only half of the population.Furthermore, gender equality is also essential for sustainable economic growth. India’s economy stands to gain significantly by closing the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship.
Studies have consistently shown that increasing women’s participation in the workforce can boost productivity, drive consumer demand, and enhance overall economic development. India can unlock its full economic potential by providing equal opportunities for women in the electronics industry.
Another critical aspect of gender equality in the electronic industry is creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Women often face barriers and biases that limit their career progression, such as unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and limited access to training and development opportunities.By promoting gender equality, companies can dismantle these barriers and create an environment where women feel empowered to succeed.
Moreover, gender equality is a matter of social justice and human rights. Women should have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources as their male counterparts. The electronic industry can contribute to a more just and equitable society by eliminating gender-based discrimination and bias.
To achieve gender equality in the electronic industry, all stakeholders must collaborate and take concrete actions. Firstly, companies should implement gender-inclusive policies and practices that address issues such as pay equity, work-life balance, and flexible working arrangements. By offering family-friendly policies and supportive measures, companies can attract and retain talented women, enabling them to thrive professionally.
Additionally, educational institutions and vocational training centres are crucial in promoting gender equality. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and providing them with equal opportunities to develop technical skills can help bridge the gender gap in the electronics industry. It is essential to challenge gender stereotypes early on and promote the idea that girls can excel in any field, including technology.
Furthermore, government intervention and support are vital to drive change in the electronics industry. Governments should enact and enforce policies that promote gender equality, such as setting quotas for women’s representation on corporate boards or offering financial incentives to companies that demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion. Public-private partnerships can also play a significant role in advancing gender equality in the industry.
Understanding the current representation of women in the sector and addressing the challenges they face is an essential first step. By identifying the barriers and gaps that inhibit their participation, appropriate measures can be taken to bridge those gaps and create equal opportunities for women.
Creating a level playing field for women in the tech sector is not only a matter of fairness and social justice but also an opportunity for the country as a whole. With India projected to become the youngest country in the world, it is vital to tap into the potential of the entire population, including women, to drive progress and innovation.
To achieve this, evolving cultural norms is crucial. Cultivating a progressive mindset that values diversity and inclusion is necessary to break down traditional gender stereotypes and biases. This can be done through education, awareness campaigns, mentorship programs, and policies that promote gender equality and empower women in the tech sector.
Furthermore, it is important for industrialists, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to actively participate in this process. They can play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment by implementing policies that support women’s career advancement, providing mentorship and networking opportunities, and fostering a supportive and flexible work culture that accommodates the needs and aspirations of women professionals.
By embracing these changes and working towards a more diverse and inclusive tech sector, India can harness the full potential of its population and establish itself as a progressive nation that values and encourages the participation of women in all spheres of life.
In conclusion, while the electronics industry in India has made progress in increasing women’s participation, the goal of gender equality in this sector cannot be overstated.
By embracing diversity, promoting inclusive practices, and providing equal opportunities, the industry can unlock its full potential, driving innovation, economic growth, and social progress. Companies, educational institutions, governments, and society must work together towards a future where gender equality is a reality in the electronic industry and beyond.
Amit Agnihotri Vice President – Marketing, Strategy & Compliance RS India
