👑 Women in Workfoce – Tamil Nadu – Yes, we are there! And next?

Need more women role models

Meenakshi Ramesh, Executive Director and CEO, United Way Chennai

Industrial Economist (IE): Your view on TN topping in women industrial workers in the nation?
Meenakshi Ramesh (MR): While it is good to hear about TN’s high share, it is disappointing that the total number is still quite small. A large number of women go unpaid and unrecognised for their contribution.

IE: What works in TN, that contributes to this number?
MR: We have high enrolment of girls in schools, and a comparatively lower rate of dropouts. The higher rate of basic literacy among girls is clearly a factor. A good law and order system means, women feel safe stepping out of their homes for work.

IE: What are few government actions that have boosted women’s employment in industry?
MR: Role models. I visited a factory in Sriperumbudur a few years ago and was inspired to see that it was 100 per cent women on the shop floor. They were from all parts of the country, stayed in hostels and were very good at their work. I think such examples inspire women from underserved areas to seek education and employment thereafter. The government has also issued exhaustive guidelines regarding employment of women in night shifts, which adds to the comfort factor.

IE: In a service organisation, when work from home was revoked, women employees quit in large numbers. What can the service industry learn from the manufacturing sector?
MR: Honestly, I do not know. I thought women were tired of working and doing housework together and would appreciate the opportunity to step out of home for the day. Maybe several of them lost their child care support during the pandemic and are not able to return? Maybe starting onsite creches might help? And giving them the option of shorter work day (coinciding with school hours) with proportionate pay?

IE: How can women’s skills be enhanced to promote them from shop floor to managerial positions?
MR: The government and private sector must take the step of appointing more women to leadership positions. The demonstration effect is very valuable. A policy regarding maternity breaks and return to work, will be helpful for sure.
Education has to be encouraged. Factory managers must identify leaders among these women and encourage them to study further. The employer can support by giving few hours for studying and maybe a subsidy towards the course too. Also, women must be visibly promoted from the existing ranks up to leadership roles. As they say, nothing succeeds like success!
The government and private sector must take the step of appointing more women to leadership positions. The demonstration effect is very valuable. A policy regarding maternity breaks and return to work will be helpful for sure.

IE: What social and economic impact does employing women bring?
MR: The social and economic impact of women employment cannot be overstated. Employment and the consequent economic freedom, leads to great social benefits, increased self-esteem and self-confidence, a role model for other women and her own children, respect in the community owing to her economic status…
The economic impact is surely an increase in consumption, though I am not clear whether they will have the freedom to spend it on themselves or will contribute towards family expenses.