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Let us explore the pivotal role women in the sector play in India’s textile industry, the obstacles they face, and the initiatives needed to empower them, and how Fyaril, a global e-commerce marketplace, is dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the textile industry, both as skilled workers and as business owners.
Key Challenges Faced by Women in the Textile Industry
Despite their significant contributions, women continue to face several challenges:
- Wage Disparity: One of the most significant issues is wage inequality. Women often earn 50-60% of what men are paid for performing the same tasks, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises. This wage gap persists even as women work in some of the most labor-intensive segments of the industry.
- Unsafe Working Conditions: Women, particularly in smaller production units, often work in hazardous environments with poor ventilation and limited access to basic facilities like clean water and sanitation. Additionally, many factories are overcrowded, leading to unsafe and unhygienic working conditions. Long shifts, sometimes extending to 12-14 hours per day, are also common, particularly in rural areas.
- Harassment and Abuse: Sexual harassment and verbal abuse are prevalent issues in the industry. A study by the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) revealed that around 36% of women workers in India’s textile and apparel sector reported experiencing workplace harassment. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of legal literacy and limited avenues for seeking justice.
- Limited Skill Development for Women in Textiles: Despite the growing demand for skilled workers in the textile industry, women often do not have access to proper training programs. They are predominantly employed in roles requiring little technical knowledge, limiting their ability to climb the economic ladder.
- Lack of Leadership Opportunities: Women Entrepreneurs in Textiles are grossly underrepresented in leadership roles, with only 15% of management positions in the textile sector held by women. This lack of representation hinders innovation and limits women’s voices in key decision-making processes.
Initiatives undertaken by Fyaril
Empowering Women in Textile Sector requires a multi-faceted approach, combining policy interventions, industry initiatives, and grassroots efforts. These challenges highlight the need for platforms like Fyaril, which partners with manufacturers and businesses that prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and empowerment opportunities in the sector.
- Leadership Development: According to a survey conducted by Fyaril, 60% of vendors on Fyaril’s platform are investing in leadership training programs specifically for women workers. These programs focus on Leadership Development for Women in Textiles, enhancing women's leadership skills, and providing them with the tools they need to take on managerial and executive roles. In the past few years, such initiatives have led to a 30% increase in the number of women in supervisory positions.
- Ensuring Fair Wages: Fyaril has partnered with vendors who constantly work on improving working conditions and pushing for Fair Trade in Textiles. Businesses working with women artisans ensure that women are compensated fairly for their craft and skills, giving them a significant socioeconomic boost.
- Training and Skill Development Programs: According to the survey, nearly 60% of the brands are beginning to invest in Skill Development for Women in Textiles that focus on technical skills, including the use of modern textile machinery, digital tools, and sustainable manufacturing practices. By empowering women with these skills, the industry is not only improving the quality of its output but also ensuring that women have access to higher-paying, skilled roles across cross-functions.
Fyaril's Warli Art Form initiative is a dedicated effort to preserve and promote the traditional Warli art, an ancient tribal art form native to Maharashtra, India. By collaborating directly with local artisans, Fyaril ensures that the authenticity and cultural heritage of this art are maintained, while simultaneously empowering these artists, especially women, by providing them with sustainable income opportunities. Through this initiative, Fyaril not only supports the economic development of rural artisans but also fosters a global appreciation for this intricate art form, making it accessible to a broader audience.
- Sustainable Textile Production: There is also a growing emphasis on aligning women's empowerment with sustainable textile practices. Our verified manufacturers, particularly in regions known for traditional textile crafts, are creating eco-friendly products while offering women meaningful employment opportunities. Women artisans are trained in eco-conscious techniques, such as natural dyeing and waste minimization, allowing them to contribute to sustainable fashion.
- Fyaril Badges for Women Empowerment: A key initiative in this direction is Fyaril’s Women Empowerment Badge. This badge is awarded to textile manufacturers and vendors who actively promote gender quality in textile industry, offer fair wages, healthy and safe working environments, and foster leadership opportunities for women. By earning this badge, businesses signal their commitment to equal and responsible labor practices, promote safe working conditions, recruit women at managerial and leadership positions, and uplift the living conditions of women artists who deserve more than recognition for their craft. The initiative serves as an incentive for companies to adopt best practices and prioritize the well-being of their women workforce.
The Economic Impact of Empowering Women
Empowering women in India’s textile sector is not just about equality—it has a tangible impact on the economy. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, gender parity in India’s workforce could add $770 billion to the country’s GDP by 2025. This potential can only be unlocked if industries like textiles invest in Generating Employment for Women.
Brands that prioritize gender equality tend to see lower employee turnover, higher job satisfaction, and increased productivity. Moreover, consumers worldwide are becoming more socially conscious, and businesses that demonstrate a commitment to women’s empowerment are more likely to attract global buyers. The focus on women's empowerment can help India remain competitive remain competitive in the international market, especially in the context of increasing demand for ethical and sustainable textile production.
The Road Ahead
The empowerment of Women in Textile Sector is not just a moral imperative—it is critical for the future growth and sustainability of the industry. By addressing the challenges women face, the sector can unlock a vast reservoir of untapped potential. Government policies, industry initiatives, and grassroots movements must work in tandem to ensure that Women in Textile Sector are given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
As the global demand for ethical and sustainable products continues to rise, empowering women will not only enhance their lives but will also help India’s textile industry thrive on the global stage. At Fyaril, we are confident that by investing in women, the sector can ensure long-term growth, innovation, and sustainability, making it a powerful driver of progress for the nation.