By ESSCI’s Officiating Head, Mr. Saleem Ahmed
The Indian electronics industry is changing dramatically as more and more women assume leadership roles, contributing new ideas and creativity to the field. Women, who were previously under-represented, are now
assuming technical, manufacturing, and leadership positions and demonstrating their abilities in a variety of fields. They are tremendous assets to the industry because of their mental toughness and dedication to long-term professional development. This shift is about appreciating the special capabilities that women offer, such as their ability to solve problems and pay close attention to detail, rather than just meeting quotas. The Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), which provides specialised training programs, encourages skill development, and establishes an atmosphere that supports women’s success, has been instrumental in this change.
The Industry’s Transition from Male-Dominated to Women-Led
The electronics sector was perceived as a male-dominated field for many years. But the increasing number of women has altered this story. Nowadays, women are in charge of embedded systems and semiconductor design projects. R&D, production, and systems. The growing number of female-led startups, research contributions, and leadership positions in global electronics companies all demonstrate this change.
Data Showing Women’s Contribution to Industry Growth
- Worldwide, women make up over 25% of the electronics industry’s workforce, with higher participation in some areas, such as Southeast Asia, where women account for more than 50% of the workers in the electronics manufacturing industry.
- Women now make up between 60 and 65 percent of the Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) workforce in India, especially in production management, PCB assembly, and quality testing.
- Over the past five years, women’s participation in India’s semiconductor industry, which is expected to reach $100 billion by 2030, has increased by 20%.
- Businesses with more gender diversity in technical roles have reported a 15% increase in innovation outcomes and a 10% improvement in productivity.
Advancements Over Time and Domains Requiring Additional Inclusion
Although there are still inequalities, women’s presence in technical and leadership positions has gradually grown over the last ten years. Although women predominate in EMS positions, their representation in senior R&D, design engineering,
and there is still a lack of senior leadership. Executive leadership positions in global electronics companies and semiconductor production and design engineering require more inclusion efforts.
high-tech domains such as embedded systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Examining the Need for Female Electronics Workers
A number of factors contribute to the need for women in electronics:
- A Variety of Views: Research indicates that heterogeneous teams perform better than homogeneous ones in creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to Detail: Women are frequently praised for their accuracy and careful work, which are essential in the production of electronics and quality assurance.
- Soft Skills: In project management and cross-functional teams, soft skills like collaboration, leadership, and communication—which are frequently associated with women—are essential.
- Government Incentives: Women now have more opportunities thanks to policies that support gender diversity in STEM disciplines.
Government Efforts to Encourage Women’s Empowerment in Electronics Through a number of initiatives and programs, the Indian government has taken the initiative to encourage women’s involvement in the electronics industry:
- Science and Technology for Women Program: Run by the Department of Science & Technology, this program encourages technological research, development, and adaption to enhance women’s working circumstances and quality of life.
- Women’s Skill India Initiatives: To draw and keep women in the electronics industry, specialised training programs that emphasise VLSI design, embedded systems, AI, and IoT have been developed.
- Digital India & Make in India: These flagship initiatives have given women in electronics a wide range of opportunities, from leadership positions in tech-driven firms to manufacturing employment.
- Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) system: The PLI system has indirectly increased employment prospects for women, especially in semiconductor production and emergency medical services, by encouraging local manufacture.
The role of the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) in closing the gender gap: ESSCI is leading the charge to encourage gender diversity in the electronics sector. By providing specific certification courses, practical instruction, and Through mentoring programs, ESSCI has enabled thousands of women to pursue and succeed in a range of electronic jobs. Among these initiatives are:
Customised Training Modules: ESSCI creates courses especially to provide women the know-how required in fields with high demand, like embedded systems, semiconductor design, and the Internet of Things.
Partnerships with Industry Leaders: To provide women with internship and employment opportunities, ESSCI collaborates with top electronics companies.
Mentoring and networking: The council helps young women professionals connect with seasoned professionals in the field, which promotes leadership development and career advancement.
Ensuring Growth and Inclusivity in the Workplace
To guarantee that women may progress in technical and management jobs, businesses are implementing mentorship opportunities, leadership initiatives, and flexible work arrangements. Among the initiatives are:
Mentorship Networks: Linking seasoned individuals in the field with young women professionals to provide career growth and guidance.
The goal of leadership programs is to prepare women for top positions in R&D and technology.
Policies that support maternity benefits, work-life balance, and workplace safety are examples of inclusive work environments.
Women’s Prospects in Electronics
Women will continue to be crucial to India’s progress towards being a major hub for the production of electronics worldwide. Their contributions to AI-powered solutions, environmentally friendly electronics, and
Innovations in semiconductors play a key role in determining the future of the sector.
By providing specialised certificates, practical training, and networking opportunities, organisations such as ESSCI are leading the charge to close the gender gap. Women in electronics are not merely players; they are trailblazers shaping the future of the sector thanks to well-organised legislation, sophisticated skill development, and a forward-thinking workplace.