Why women empowerment in textiles is crucial for ‘Viksit Bharat’
Companies must go beyond compliance and strive to cultivate an environment where women feel valued, safe, and encouraged to grow, says N Chandran.
As India takes significant strides towards becoming a ‘Viksit Rashtra’ (developed nation), the role of women in driving the country’s economic and social progress is more important than ever. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also emphasised the need for full and equal participation of women in his vision for a fully developed India. This participation extends beyond the white-collar workforce in Tier I cities and reaches into rural pockets, where many women are employed in semi-skilled roles. Industries like textiles have been instrumental in offering these women opportunities for growth and empowerment.
The Indian textile industry, one of the oldest and most vital sectors of the economy, has long been a key contributor to the country’s GDP, while also being one of the largest employer of women. According to industry estimates, they constitute nearly 60-70 per cent of the workforce and are largely from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Consider Tamil Nadu’s Tiruppur: Thousands of women from rural pockets of the state and outside are employed in factories that manufacture readymade garments for international markets. In most cases, they are the primary breadwinners for their families.
While the textile industry has made great strides in creating opportunities for women, ensuring their safety remains a continuous focus. It is positive to see manufacturers, including Eastman Exports, actively working to create safer, more supportive environments. From improving physical infrastructure—such as better lighting, sanitation, and ventilation—to instituting provisions such as crèche facilities, there is a growing awareness of the need to safeguard well-being of women. Moreover, laws such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act is being taken seriously. There is enough evidence to show that addressing these concerns has not only benefitted the workers but has also positively impacted the overall efficiency and productivity of the industry. The focus should now be on bringing even smaller, rural units into compliance.
Progressive manufacturers also understand the need to acknowledge and facilitate cultural shifts that encourage women to voice their concerns without fear of judgment or reprisal. Many companies are taking steps to raise awareness about gender equality, not only within their workforce but also in the communities from which they draw their workforce, creating a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women.
Empowering women in the textile industry is not only about ensuring their safety; it is also about providing opportunities for growth and leadership. Many organisations are beginning to recognise their untapped potential and are taking proactive steps to promote them into supervisory and managerial roles. As they come onboard with minimal skill sets, skill development programmes, mentorship opportunities and leadership training greatly help them advance within the industry. A clear roadmap for career progression boosts their confidence and fosters loyalty, leading to better outcomes for both employees and employers.
In addition to career advancement, financial empowerment is another key pillar in their progress. Many women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are the primary breadwinners for their families. Fair wages, financial literacy programmes and creating opportunities for savings and investment can go a long way in helping them achieve greater economic independence. This financial stability has a ripple effect, uplifting not just their immediate families but consequently the closely knit communities they spend their lives with. In Tamil Nadu, several manufacturers have partnered with local banks to provide special savings accounts and low-interest loans to their female employees, giving them greater financial stability and control over their earnings.
Collaboration between industry stakeholders has been helping improve women’s safety and empowering them. Manufacturers have been working with NGOs and government departments to develop and implement best practices for worker safety, skill development and gender equality. Public-private partnerships have proven particularly effective in building awareness, providing resources for small-scale manufacturers and ensuring that legal protections are upheld across the board. An excellent example is the collaboration between the Ministry of Textiles and organisations like Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which has worked to improve conditions for women workers. Through partnerships like this, many small-scale factories have implemented best practices for worker safety and training programs to upskill women. These collaborations ensure that the benefits of empowerment reach even the most marginalised women in the sector.
Technology also plays a transformative role in enhancing both safety and empowerment. Digital tools, such as mobile applications for reporting workplace incidents and platforms for remote learning, are being introduced to improve communication and accessibility for women in the textile industry. Additionally, many organisations are using technology to streamline operations, which not only boosts productivity but also provides greater flexibility for workers. With digital literacy programs, women can acquire new skills, leading to better job security and the ability to adapt to an increasingly tech-driven industry.
Lastly, creating a supportive organisational culture is key to driving meaningful change. Companies must go beyond compliance and strive to cultivate an environment where women feel valued, safe, and encouraged to grow. This involves fostering open communication, providing ongoing training on gender sensitivity, and setting up clear reporting mechanisms for grievances. The onus largely lies on the leadership, especially at the top levels. When the workforce sees that safety and empowerment are integral to a company’s core values, it creates a culture of trust and inclusivity, which benefits everyone.
Adopting international standards and certifications like SA8000 and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) can push businesses to prioritise women’s safety and empowerment. Companies that strive to meet these benchmarks not only enhance their reputation but also ensure they are part of a global value chain that values human rights and worker well-being. As more buyers and consumers demand ethical practices, adhering to these standards is becoming a business imperative. For instance, several textile companies in Tamil Nadu have achieved SA8000 certification, which emphasises worker safety, fair treatment and ethical production. Given the cases of alleged exploitation such as those in the Xinjiang province of China, certifications like these help companies see an uptick in demand from international buyers that look for responsible sourcing, proving that empowering women and adhering to global standards is not just the right thing to do but also makes good business sense.
As the textile sector continues to evolve, it is crucial that the well-being and advancement of women are prioritised, ensuring they remain at the heart of India’s growth story. Their empowerment is not just a moral obligation; it is a key driver of sustainable progress, making the dream of ‘Viksit Bharat’ a reality.
About the author:
N Chandran is the Chairman of Eastman Exports. He is a first generation entrepreneur hailing from an agrarian family and the guiding force behind the company’s policy to manufacture and export the best quality, in-trend apparels to global retail giants. After his graduation, Chandran set out on his entrepreneurial journey with a small dyeing unit at home before venturing into export business in 1983. After tasting initial success, he introduced a modern mechanised dye house that revolutionised the dyeing industry of Tiruppur. The company now has all processes, right from yarn to readymade garments and manufacturing, under one roof.
