CII-IWN Calls for Greater Representation of Women in Industrial Leadership Roles

Industry leaders highlight the need for more women in research, manufacturing, plant leadership and entrepreneurship during CII-IWN event in Tiruchi.

The Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Women Network (CII-IWN) has urged greater participation of women in leadership positions across industries. Speaking at the Women in Industry 4.0-Manufacturing & Textile programme in Tiruchi, speakers highlighted the need to strengthen women's representation in manufacturing, research, entrepreneurship and senior management.

Amudhavalli Ranganathan, chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry-Indian Women Network (CII-IWN), stressed the importance of increasing the number of women in leadership roles across different sectors of industry.

Addressing the Women in Industry 4.0-Manufacturing & Textile programme organised by CII-IWN Tamil Nadu, she said Tamil Nadu has been a pioneering State in employing women in industry. According to her, the State employed 41% of all women working in India in the manufacturing sector, with Tiruppur knitwear cluster, Karur textile cluster and Coimbatore engineering units employing a large number of women.

She, however, noted that employment figures alone did not present the complete picture, stating that women remained underrepresented in areas such as research and development, digital strategy and plant leadership.

Ms. Ranganathan, who is also the Director of CavinKare Pvt Ltd, said an upcoming battery-operated two-wheeler manufacturing unit in Krishnagiri was being established with an entirely women workforce. She added that the Central government had set an ambitious long-term goal of bringing more women into economic activities, making it necessary to focus on developing women entrepreneurs and leaders in the manufacturing industry.

M. Perumal, chairman, CII Karur Zone and proprietor of South Indian Textiles, said stronger collaboration between industry and academia was needed to design courses that better aligned with industry expectations.

S. Anand, Vice Chairman, CII Tiruchi Zone and managing partner, Jeyam Builders, said women had significant potential to assume leadership positions. He stated that industry was evolving to absorb talented women at senior levels and that they should make use of the opportunities available.

Karthika Prabu, convener, CII IWN Karur Zone; Avanti Natarajan, vice-chairperson, CII IWN Tamil Nadu and Director, Paavai Educational Institutions; R. Vaymini, co-convener, CII IWN Tiruchi Zone and HR Head, Velmurugan Heavy Engineering Industries, along with other speakers, also addressed the gathering.

The programme was attended by women leaders, industrialists and entrepreneurs from Tiruchi, Karur and other parts of Tamil Nadu.