Hyderabad-based AGI Glaspac are manufacturers of glass containers and speciality glass. Through its offerings, the company aims at meeting the stringent and demanding quality standards for the packaging needs of food, pharmaceuticals, soft drinks, spirits, beer, wine and other industries.
Rajesh Khosla joined the company as President and CEO in May 2018. He brings along immense work experience in the field of international steel and associated industries. On this International Women’s Day, he shares more on the opportunities for women in manufacturing units and emphasises on the need to achieve gender equity in the sector.
How can women enable transformative innovation in the manufacturing sector?
According to a study by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, increasing the share of women in leadership positions from 0 to 30 per cent is associated with a 15 per cent increase in profitability. Additionally, a study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity were 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile.
Women can enable transformative innovation in the manufacturing sector by bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Women tend to have a different approach to problem-solving, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions. Additionally, women are often strong communicators and collaborators, which are essential skills in a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape. By promoting gender diversity and creating an inclusive workplace culture, companies can harness the power of women to drive transformative innovation.
What are the challenges the women workforce face in the manufacturing sector?
According to a report by Deloitte, only 29 per cent of the manufacturing workforce in India is female. Additionally, only 16 per cent of senior management roles in the sector are held by women. This underrepresentation of women in manufacturing can be attributed to several factors, including cultural and societal expectations, lack of mentorship and role models, and unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion. The report also found that 43 per cent of women in manufacturing face challenges related to work-life balance, such as inflexible work hours and lack of family-friendly policies.
Some of the challenges include the perception of manufacturing as a male-dominated industry, lack of mentorship and role models, unconscious bias in recruitment and promotion, and lack of family-friendly policies. Additionally, there is a persistent gender pay gap in the sector, which can make it difficult for women to advance in their careers.
Are there any recent advancements made towards greater gender equity in manufacturing?
There have been some recent advancements. For example, many companies are implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives to promote gender diversity in their workforce. Additionally, some companies are offering flexible work arrangements and family-friendly policies to support women in their careers. However, there is still a long way to go to achieve true gender equity in the manufacturing sector.
Why do women in India face barriers to entry and advancement in the manufacturing sector?
There are several reasons why women in India face barriers to entry and advancement in the manufacturing sector. One of the primary reasons is the perception of manufacturing as a male-dominated industry, which can discourage women from pursuing careers in the field. Additionally, there is a lack of mentorship and role models for women in manufacturing, which can make it difficult for them to advance in their careers. Cultural and societal expectations can also make it challenging for women to balance their professional and personal lives. Companies can address these barriers by implementing policies that promote diversity and inclusion, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for women, and creating a supportive workplace culture.