Mysuru: The study aims at providing a workable framework to address the issue of limited participation of women in the manufacturing sector. The framework was evolved after an in-depth analysis of the available data & materials alongside interactions with the industry leaders. The proposed framework includes suggestions to both Organizations and Government for enhancing gender diversity in the manufacturing sector in Karnataka said Dr L. Gandhi, Principal Researcher, SDMIMD.
The report titled “Gender Diversity in Manufacturing Sector in Karnataka” primarily had the goal of understanding the dynamics of gender diversity in the manufacturing sector in Karnataka and providing a workable framework to address the issue of limited women participation in the manufacturing sector. The framework was evolved after an in-depth study of the available data & materials alongside interactions with the industry leaders. The report was released recently at the BCIC Office in Bangalore. This study was carried out by SDMIMD Mysore in collaboration with the BCIC, Bangalore. Interactions with the industry leaders contributed substantially to this report.
Fair representation of people of different genders is known as gender diversity. Skill sets for any job role would not differ from men to women. Increasingly, women are undergoing skilling in male-dominated job roles across all sectors. The major objectives of the study are to examine the status of gender diversity in the manufacturing sector and to suggest a framework to improve the gender ratio in the manufacturing sector.
The present study examines the gender diversity level at manufacturing organizations in Karnataka and explores ways to enhance gender diversity. The study also comprehends women’s difficulties when major life transitions like marriage and childbirth occur. The study is confined to the manufacturing sector in Karnataka. The study is supported by primary views and secondary data.
The primary data were gathered from working professionals in the manufacturing industry. As a primary viewpoint, the BCIC conference report has also been used. Research on gender diversity in manufacturing was conducted to enhance gender equality. The secondary information was gathered from published sources. To substantiate the primary data that was collected through interviews, a few articles and research papers were referred to as part of secondary data.
Based on the primary views of the practising leaders and secondary data, the following major findings have been derived and detailed in this study; high attrition rate, family commitments and social pressure, qualification enrichment, maternity benefits, ergonomics, flexible work environment, amenities, roles, and responsibilities, maintaining professional relationships, sabbatical leave, education system, quota/reservation, night shift, and benchmarking.
According to this study, only 12% of women were employed by manufacturing enterprises in Karnataka, a low percentage compared to the bordering states. There are many causes for the low employment rate of women. According to the current research, to boost the participation of women in the manufacturing industry at both the entry-level and leadership levels, it is essential to foster a good environment, encourage an interest in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and enact strict laws to combat unconscious bias.
The crucial takeaway of every exploratory research is that it gives clear directions and pointers for all the stakeholders on the journey ahead. The same holds for this one as there are several recommendations about what the organisations and governmental agencies can do to make the predominantly male-dominated sector of manufacturing, operations, and engineering services, more diverse, inclusive, and women-friendly.
Based on the study findings, a framework has been developed to enhance gender diversity with the following focus areas, organizational support, policy amendments, equal opportunities, ecosystem, competency development, mentoring and leadership development, educational support, and government intervention.
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Caption: BCIC dignitaries in the Report Release function
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