India’s small and medium enterprise (SME) sector employs 110 million people and contributes 30% to the country’s GDP. Historically, manufacturing has been a male-dominated field, with women making up only a small fraction of the workforce. However, there is a growing recognition of the need to increase the number of women in manufacturing.

The relevance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in manufacturing cannot be overstated. ESG considerations are becoming increasingly important to investors and customers, and companies that prioritize these factors are more likely to succeed in the long run.

From a social perspective, ESG emphasizes equity and inclusion in the workplace. Increasing the number of female workers in the workforce is a crucial step towards greater diversity and inclusion. Several strategies can help integrate more women into manufacturing practices, breaking down barriers and providing more opportunities in technical roles. These strategies include:

• Introduction of Technical Courses: Offering more technical courses in women’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
• Industry Exposure Visits: Organizing visits to industry sites to showcase potential opportunities.
• Education and Training: Providing relevant education and training in the manufacturing field.
• Mentorship Programs: Creating mentorship programs and networking opportunities for women in the industry.
• Addressing Biases: Working to eliminate biases and discrimination, fostering a more inclusive culture that values diversity.

To help female students understand key factors for careers in manufacturing, we organize industry exposure visits. These visits aim to break stereotypes and clear up any misinformation about the manufacturing industry.

Exposure visits are a crucial training methodology, allowing participants from different backgrounds to interact and learn from each other. This helps them see real-life examples of successful integration of sustainable practices in the industry.

Organizing the Visits:

• We collaborate with local women’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to arrange these visits.
• Each batch will consist of 25 to 30 students, with groups formed based on the comfort and permission of the organization.
• A facilitator and a member of the ITI placement cell will accompany the group.
• The facilitator will introduce the students to the industry and explain the importance of industry and student exchange.