India’s apparel industry: A case for skill-driven, multi-stakeholder efforts for empowerment

financialexpress.com:

By Jalandhar D. Giri

The trends in female Labour-Force Participation (FLFP) in India have shown erratic behaviour, and at 24 per cent, India’s FLFP is lower than that of its South Asian neighbours. Domestic responsibilities occupy a significant portion of women’s time in India. The competing demands between home and work often result in their voluntary withdrawal from the workforce.

However, the apparel industry stays ahead of the curve. A key reason for this is that the barrier to entry in the sector is low compared to others, with a minimum training time of 45-90 days. This makes it the biggest formal employer of women in the country.

Most women in the apparel industry are either seasonal migrants with little or no formal education or prior work experience. They lack the skills to initiate conversations outside their close social groups and hence display varying degrees of trepidation. The challenge, therefore, is to retain them.

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While it may only take a few months to learn sewing and start working in a factory, the challenge is to enhance worker experience and help retain the workers. The motivation to continue working for women, especially migrants, hinges on the 3Fs of fulfilment– food, family, and friends.

India’s union and state governments have initiated multiple schemes and funding support for capability-building. The private sector has actively backed these initiatives, with a particular focus on skilling centers in rural regions. The private sector’s involvement has enhanced sustainable competitiveness, and many industries have identified opportunities to contribute.

The apparel industry has consistently employed more