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Women engineers re-shaping the manufacturing industry
Articles- Sep 15,23
As the industry celebrates National Engineer’s Day (on September 15), it is crucial to recognise the pivotal role that Indian women engineers are playing in reshaping the manufacturing industry and acknowledge their contribution, writes Sirisha Arza.
Traditionally, manufacturing has been regarded as a male dominated sector, a perception that as impacted the industry. As a result, this has discouraged women from pursuing careers in manufacturing. But as the industry evolved, women have started challenging the societal norms by opting for engineering as a career. With their increased participation, they are inspiring future generations of women to pursue their careers in manufacturing and engineering. This will further promote diversity in the organisations and create a more equitable work environment.
Value addition by women in manufacturing
Women engineers in India are contributing significantly to the manufacturing sector by adding value in various capacities. From production and IT and software development to sales, HR, supply chain management, and core engineering roles, women are making their presence felt across the spectrum. Their unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities are driving innovation and efficiency in the manufacturing processes.
Over the years, women have been excelling in IT and software development. With technology being integrated in the manufacturing sector, IT professionals now play a pivotal role in optimizing operations. In this dynamic landscape, Indian women engineers are proving their mettle in developing software solutions that streamline production, enhance quality control, and reduce operational costs. Their expertise in the sector is transforming the manufacturing industry, advancing it towards a future defined by excellence.
Endless opportunities for women in manufacturing
The manufacturing industry offers a multitude of career options across levels, making it an attractive choice for women seeking fulfilling and impactful careers. Manufacturing is no longer limited to factory floors but encompasses a wide array of roles that require diverse skills and expertise. Therefore, women engineers in India are embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the manufacturing sector.
Supportive ecosystem and diversity initiatives
The companies are understanding the importance of diversity and creating a supportive ecosystem for women employees. This has enabled women engineers to stand out by overcoming hurdles in the industry. Continental recognizes the need for diversity and gender balance in the workforce and the company has undertaken proactive steps to make the workplace more inclusive. Continental's 'WE-Lead' initiative is one good example which aims to groom women leaders across the system, and it is true even in the manufacturing set up. The Launch-Pad initiative on the other hand aims to hire women who went on a career break due to personal reasons. Women are provided with on job training and mentorship that help them improve their professional standpoint.
Unnati is another program in the R&D space to groom the young leaders through group coaching and equip them with various leadership skills. The Women for Manufacturing program is an initiative undertaken by Continental to address gender disparity in the manufacturing sector at the grassroot level. Women from challenging socio-economic backgrounds are trained to secure jobs in the manufacturing industry not just at Continental but in other organisations as well. This initiative aims to transform the overall industry.
Changing perceptions and trends
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the perception of women in STEM fields. The number of young women engineers entering these professions is almost equal to their male counterparts in most companies. There has been a gradual increase in the presence of women professionals at senior and mid-senior levels. Although the automotive and R&D sectors have historically been male dominated, a growing number of women engineers are now entering these industries.
As automotive companies strive for greater gender diversity, women are venturing into areas that were previously predominantly occupied by men within this field. Over time, diversity and inclusivity have gained prominence in the automotive industry which has prompted companies to create fair and equitable workplaces. Therefore, businesses are actively encouraging female employees to assume leadership roles within their organisations. The growing utilization of software in the automotive sector is further attracting a greater number of female engineers to this field.
Conclusion
Women engineers in India are making their presence felt in the world of manufacturing. With the right opportunities, support, and encouragement, there is no limit to what they can achieve in this dynamic and ever-evolving sector. As the industry celebrates National Engineer’s Day, it is crucial to recognise the pivotal role that Indian women engineers are playing in reshaping the manufacturing industry and acknowledge their contribution. The future of manufacturing in India is undoubtedly brighter and more inclusive, due to the remarkable contributions of women engineers.
About the author:
Sirisha Arza is the Head of Industrial Engineering and New Product Launch at Continental Automotive India.
Women engineers
manufacturing industry
Sirisha Arza
Industrial Engineering
Continental Automotive
National Engineer’s Day
diversity
gender balance
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