The Union Budget should prioritise the needs of the women workforce in manufacturing, focusing on fostering equitable and inclusive opportunities. By addressing systemic challenges and promoting gender equity, the budget can play a pivotal role in enhancing the participation and well-being of women workers across the sector. India has evolved into a major manufacturing hub for many international brands.
Given Bangladesh's ongoing political turmoil, demand in India will likely continue to rise, particularly for fashion-related products like apparel and leather. By relying on domestic manufacturing, this breakthrough promotes the intended objectives of the Government of India's Viksit Bharat campaign and offers an optimistic future for the economic growth of the nation. In India's manufacturing landscape, the apparel and leather industries have significant importance for two primary reasons: they contribute a substantial share of export earnings and generate a significant amount of employment opportunities.
Notably, women are indispensable to these sectors, carrying out several kinds of employment opportunities, including unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labour. Based on the most recent Periodic Labour Force Survey data, women's workforce participation is increasing continuously, reaching 37% in 2022–2023. But irrespective of their increased participation and contributions, women workers continue to experience difficult working conditions, highlighting the persistent gend.
