Across the nation, the landscape of electronics manufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation, with women increasingly occupying pivotal roles on production floors and driving industry growth. This shift signifies not only a change in workforce demographics but also highlights evolving company policies and a recognition of women’s valuable contributions to productivity, quality, and operational stability.
The Chenab Times has learned that female employability rates in the electronics manufacturing sector have now surpassed those of men, standing at 54 percent compared to 51.5 percent for men. This statistic indicates a greater readiness among women for entry-level shop floor positions, reflecting improved training outcomes and a higher willingness to engage in manufacturing roles. Staffing firms report that women are highly sought after due to their demonstrated dexterity, consistency and process discipline, contributing to lower absenteeism, reduced attrition rates, and an improved overall work culture.
Data from the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal further illustrates this trend, showing a 14 percent increase in female entry-level apprentices in the electronics sector during FY26, reaching 42,237, while male apprentices saw a marginal decline. This surge in female participation is particularly pronounced in the southern region of the country, with major iPhone manufacturers like Tata Electronics and Foxconn reportedly having female employee bases exceeding 80 percent at their facilities. Industry experts attribute this growth in South India to high-end smartphone assemblers adopting models that provide safe accommodation, food, and transport within their campuses, addressing key concerns for young women entering the workforce.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has highlighted that India’s electronics manufacturing sector has generated approximately 25 lakh jobs over the past decade. Within this, women constitute nearly 70 percent of the direct workforce in mobile phone manufacturing. This expansion is supported by government initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aim to bolster domestic electronics and mobile phone production. MeitY noted that the sector is a leading example of inclusive industrial development, with women playing a pivotal role in its expansion. Around 90,000 women have been employed under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing.
While women have traditionally been associated with assembly line roles, their involvement is expanding across the electronics value chain, including design, testing, and even semiconductor engineering. Projections suggest that women’s participation in the Indian semiconductor industry is expected to rise from 25 percent in 2025 to 35 percent by 2030. This evolution signifies a transition from executing tasks to contributing to innovation and leading technological advancements, aligning with the industry’s growing need for professionals skilled in multiple disciplines.
Despite the increasing participation, women’s overall representation in India’s broader manufacturing workforce remains at approximately 19.7 percent. This gap highlights a significant opportunity, suggesting that while talent is available, its utilization might be inefficient. Experts suggest that a wider increase in women’s involvement in the labor market could contribute substantially to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), potentially adding billions of dollars and underscoring the scale of untapped economic potential.
The positive trend is also being supported by evolving labor codes, which are envisioned to foster a better safety culture in manufacturing operations and enhance investor confidence in India’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem. The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and the India Electronics & Semiconductor Association (IESA) have indicated that these codes will not only boost business productivity but also ensure improved working conditions for all employees.
The emphasis on creating safe working environments, including the provision of hostels near factories, is crucial for sustaining and further accelerating women’s entry into the electronics sector. Companies that prioritize gender diversity in their technical roles have reported increased innovation outcomes and improved productivity. This growing presence of women on the factory floor is not merely a social advancement but a strategic imperative for the continued growth and global competitiveness of India’s electronics manufacturing industry.
The rise of women in large-scale manufacturing, particularly in sectors like electronics assembly for global brands, was considered almost unimaginable a decade ago. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has pointed to the example of Foxconn’s new iPhone assembly facility in Bengaluru, which reportedly onboarded nearly 30,000 employees, about 80 percent of whom are women, within its initial months of operation. This facility, expected to employ up to 50,000 workers, is a testament to the sector’s capacity for generating skilled, blue-collar jobs, especially for women, showcasing technology transfer and women’s empowerment simultaneously.
The strategic focus on upskilling and training through bodies like the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) is also playing a pivotal role in empowering women for these roles. As India aims to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design, the demand for a skilled, innovative, and diverse workforce will continue to grow, offering immense career opportunities for women across various segments of the industry, from assembly lines to research and development.
The growth of female employment is significantly faster in South India, with high-end smartphone assemblers replicating successful models from international markets. These models often include providing safe accommodation, food, and transport within the campus, which addresses the primary concerns of young women entering the workforce. This approach not only ensures safety and convenience but also contributes to lower attrition rates, as women tend to prioritize stable and secure work environments over minor salary increments.
The increasing integration of women into the electronics manufacturing workforce is a multi-faceted development. It is driven by a combination of industry demand for specific skills, government policy support, evolving corporate practices that prioritize safety and inclusion, and a growing pool of trained female talent. The trend indicates a maturing sector that recognizes the indispensable contribution of women to its present success and future expansion.
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