The Indian automotive industry has made significant strides since its inception, with steady growth over the years. It offers a range of opportunities for professionals across various fields, from manufacturing and supplying vehicles to designing, marketing, and advertising them. With the industry moving beyond traditional vehicles and embracing sophisticated technologies and digitalisation, it has become an attractive sector for ambitious and talented individuals to leave their mark.
One of the most notable trends in the Indian automotive industry in recent years is the increasing number of women making significant contributions across different areas of the industry. Women are breaking barriers and driving innovation, and their impact on the industry is undeniable.
Historical Background of the Indian Automotive Industry:
The Indian automotive industry’s history dates back to the 1940s, when Hindustan Motors, then known as Hindustan Aircraft, began manufacturing automobiles. The country’s first indigenous car, the Hindustan Ambassador, rolled out of the company’s factory in 1957. In the years that followed, the Indian automotive industry saw the entry of key players such as Suzuki, Tata, and Mahindra. With a growing middle class and increasing disposable income, the industry began to flourish, and by the 1980s, it was producing over 100,000 vehicles annually.
In the nascent stages of the industry, women were relegated to administrative roles such as accounting and clerical work. Yet as the industry burgeoned and diversified, women started carving out a niche in various fields. Come the early 2000s, the Indian government instituted a policy to stimulate the participation of women in the workforce, automotive industry included. Enter the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, designed to expedite the growth, development and empowerment of women. The policy was envisioned to be widely disseminated, inspiring active involvement from all stakeholders in the pursuit of its goals.
As a result of this policy, we have seen a steady increase in the number of women professionals in the automotive industry. Women have made significant contributions to automotive design and engineering, marketing and advertising, manufacturing, and supply chain management. They have brought unique perspectives to the industry, helping companies better understand the needs and preferences of their customers.
The Current State of the Indian Automotive Industry:
The Indian automotive industry is currently the fourth largest in the world after China, the United States, and Japan. The sector contributes significantly to the Indian economy, accounting for nearly 7.5% of the country’s GDP and employing over 35 mln people directly and indirectly. The industry comprises automobile manufacturers, component manufacturers, and dealerships, and has a total annual turnover of around US$118 bln.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian automotive industry has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the industry has bounced back from the pandemic, with passenger vehicle sales increasing by 36% in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period in the previous year. In December 2022 quarter, the industry witnessed a 23% year-on-year rise in passenger vehicle wholesale.
One of the most significant trends in the Indian automotive industry is the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). The Indian government has set an ambitious target of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030, creating opportunities for companies in the EV space. Several Indian and international players have already launched EV models, and others are gearing up to enter the market.
In this dynamic and fast-evolving industry, women are making their mark in various fields. Women are taking up leadership roles, contributing to innovation, and driving growth in the industry.
Significant Contributions made by Women to the Indian Automotive Industry:
Women have been making significant contributions to the Indian automotive industry in various fields, including design and engineering, marketing and advertising, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Here are a few examples:
Design and Engineering: Women are increasingly taking up roles in automotive design and engineering, traditionally male-dominated fields. Rashmi Urdhwareshe is an automotive engineer and former director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Her areas of expertise are automotive safety, emissions and ambient air quality (AQM), E-mobility, sustainable transport, vehicle regulation, homologation, etc. She was an expert on total quality management and co-authored a book on the subject. She was honored with the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar award in 2018 by the Government of India for her contributions to the field of automotive engineering.
Marketing and Advertising: Women are also making their mark in automotive marketing and advertising, helping companies better understand their customers’ needs and preferences. For example, Sulajja Firodia Motwani is the Vice Chairperson of Kinetic Group, and has been instrumental in building the company’s brand and marketing strategy. She has also been recognised for her work in promoting entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.
Manufacturing: Women are increasingly taking up roles in automotive manufacturing, a field that was once considered exclusively male-dominated. For example, Anjali Pandey, Chief Operating Officer (COO), of Cummins Group India is instrumental in positioning Cummins India as the global manufacturing hub, and strengthening the group’s reputation as a leading technology solutions provider.
Supply Chain Management: Women are also playing crucial roles in automotive supply chain management, ensuring that parts and components are delivered on time and to the right place. For instance, NK Minda’s talented daughters, Pallak Minda and Paridhi Minda, are the driving force behind various business ventures within UNO Minda Group – a leading Indian auto-component manufacturer specialising in producing high-quality switches, horns, lighting, alloy wheels and other auto-ancillary products. Under their dynamic leadership, UNO Minda Group has expanded its footprint across the globe, and they continue to innovate and push boundaries in the industry.
These are just a few examples of the significant contributions made by women to the Indian automotive industry. Women are increasingly taking up leadership roles, driving innovation, and contributing to the industry’s growth and development.
Challenges Faced by Women in the Indian Automotive Industry:
Despite the significant contributions made by women to the Indian automotive industry, they still face several challenges in the field. Here are a few of them:
Gender Bias: One of the biggest challenges faced by women in the Indian automotive industry is gender bias. Women are often overlooked for leadership roles, and their contributions are undervalued.
Lack of Diversity: The Indian automotive industry is still largely male-dominated, with women accounting for only a small percentage of the workforce. This lack of diversity can be a significant barrier for women looking to enter or advance in the field.
Work – Life Balance: The demanding nature of the automotive industry can make it challenging for women to balance their professional and personal lives. Long working hours, irregular schedules, and travel requirements can make it difficult for women to manage their families and careers.
Safety Concerns: Women working in the automotive industry, particularly in manufacturing plants and warehouses, may face safety concerns. The industry is still grappling with issues of workplace harassment and violence, which can make it challenging for women to feel safe and secure at work.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the industry and the government. Companies need to create more opportunities for women in the field, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide support for work-life balance. The government can also play a role by implementing policies that promote gender equality and protect women from workplace harassment and violence. By working together, the industry can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for women.
Initiatives Taken to Promote Gender Equality in the Indian Automotive Industry:
Many companies in the Indian automotive industry are taking initiatives to promote gender equality in the field. Here are a few examples:
Women-only Hiring Programmes: Companies such as Pinnacle and Bajaj Auto have launched women-only hiring programmes to encourage more women to enter the field. These programmes provide training and support to women looking to build careers in the automotive industry.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Many companies have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more equitable workplace. For instance, MG Motor India has set a target of having 50% of its workforce, including in factories, comprise women by 2025.
Work – Life Balance Support: Some companies have implemented measures to support work – life balance for women in the field. Some of the leading automotive companies have already started introducing flexible work arrangements for employees to help them balance their personal and professional lives.
Government Policies: The Indian government has implemented policies to promote gender equality in the automotive industry. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform provides support and funding to women-led startups, while the Women Vocational Training Programme offers tailored courses to enhance the skill sets of women as per the industry’s demand. Additionally, the Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme (MSK) aims to empower rural women by providing opportunities for skill development and employment.
Apart from these initiatives, the government has taken significant steps towards gender inclusiveness in the automotive sector. This includes launching skill development programmes, setting up women-only industrial parks, and providing financial incentives to companies that employ women. Autonomous bodies have also been established that provide loans to NGOs, Intermediary Micro-Financing Organisation (IMO), and voluntary organisations that on-lend to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of women.
Furthermore, several apex bodies like ACMA, ASDC, AIAWA, FADA, and CII have taken initiatives to promote gender inclusiveness in the automotive industry. These efforts are essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the growth of the automotive sector in India.
These initiatives are a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go to achieve gender equality in the Indian automotive industry. Companies need to do more to promote diversity and inclusion and create opportunities for women in leadership roles. The government can also play a role by implementing policies that promote gender equality and protect women from workplace harassment and violence.
Conclusion:
Women have played a vital role in shaping the Indian automotive industry, from designing and manufacturing to marketing and sales. Despite the challenges they face, women have made significant contributions to the industry and are driving innovation and growth.
The Indian automotive industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the world, and it is essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to its success. Addressing gender bias and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace can help attract and retain more talented women in the industry. Companies can also take initiatives to provide support for work-life balance and promote women in leadership roles.
The government can also play a significant role in promoting gender equality in the Indian automotive industry. Policies that support women-led startups and protect women from workplace harassment and violence can help create a more equitable and safe workplace for women in the industry.
In the coming years, the Indian automotive industry is expected to continue to grow and innovate, and it is essential to ensure that women are an integral part of this growth story. By working together, the industry and the government can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women, driving innovation and contributing to the industry’s success.
Author: