Rising Women's Participation in India’s Semiconductor Sector

India's semiconductor sector is witnessing significant growth in women's participation, increasing from 20% in 2020 to nearly 25% today, with projections exceeding 30% by 2027. Companies like Micron and NXP are actively promoting gender diversity by investing in female talent and leadership development. With a relatively small pay gap and supportive benefits, the industry encourages women's entry into various roles. Notably, Foxconn employs 70% women in India. Efforts to create supportive infrastructure are crucial for sustaining this positive trend and enhancing workplace inclusivity.

India's semiconductor industry is making remarkable progress, particularly with the increasing involvement of women in this vital field. In just a few years, the percentage of women in chip design and engineering roles has surged from 20% in 2020 to nearly 25% of the more than 220,000 professionals in the sector. Projections suggest that this figure could exceed 30% by 2027, alongside an overall workforce growth of 18-20%, according to insights from staffing firm Teamlease Digital.

Leading semiconductor firms like Micron and NXP Semiconductors are committed to fostering this upward trajectory by creating more opportunities for women. They are actively investing in strategies to support and retain female talent, ensuring the development of future female leaders through clear career progression pathways. Sharmila Khan, country head of Micron's people organization, noted that the company employs over 4,000 individuals in India, with women representing 28% of the workforce, particularly excelling in IT roles where the percentage reaches 30%.

NXP Semiconductors has also seen positive growth, with women making up 24% of its 3,000-strong workforce, a notable increase from 18% in 2019. Hitesh Garg, vice president and managing director at NXP, highlighted that nearly 40% of their new engineering graduates are women, underscoring the company’s commitment to gender diversity.

“As India is looking to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub, we anticipate an uptick in demand for various roles in the semiconductor space,” Khan added, pointing to opportunities in design, engineering, software development, and more. The industry is bracing for a potential skill gap, which could further open doors for diverse talent to contribute and fill these roles.

Factors contributing to this positive shift include a relatively small pay gap of less than 10% in the sector and a strong emphasis on employee benefits such as maternity leave and flexible working arrangements. Munira Loliwala, vice president at Teamlease Digital, noted that around 40% of firmware development teams now consist of women, although representation in hardware testing roles remains lower.

Currently, women hold about 32% of individual contributor roles and 28% of supervisory positions in the semiconductor industry, although leadership roles are still underrepresented at 5-7%. NXP is actively addressing this gap through initiatives like their Women in Tech program, which teaches female engineering students about VLSI design concepts, having trained over 100 participants in the last two years.

Micron is also setting a benchmark by offering flexible work arrangements and returnship programs for women who have taken career breaks. Despite the challenges women face, particularly in mid-career pay differentials, the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, offering numerous paths for advancement.

In the broader electronics industry, women account for more than 33% of hires in engineering and research and development roles, with a strong representation among new graduates in engineering and services. As digital transformation accelerates, women are increasingly stepping into roles in design, engineering, and quality control.

The trend of women entering the workforce is also evident on the production floor. Foxconn, the world's largest contract manufacturer, reports that 70% of its 48,000 employees in India are women. The electronics market in India, valued at $155 billion, is witnessing a significant contribution from women, who excel in precision tasks that require focus and dexterity.

To sustain this growth and enhance operational efficiency, companies like Foxconn are prioritizing the development of social infrastructure. This includes initiatives for worker housing, healthcare facilities, and transportation, which are crucial for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Foxconn's ambitious plans to replicate its successful township model in India mirror its established facilities in Taiwan and China.

In a groundbreaking move, the Tamil Nadu government has set up an industrial housing project specifically for Foxconn, accommodating up to 18,720 women employees. This initiative is part of a larger effort to create a supportive environment for women in the workforce.

As India aims to scale its electronics manufacturing capabilities, the inclusion of women in both design and production roles will be essential. Collaborations between government entities and private firms will be key in establishing safe and inclusive workplaces. Addressing challenges related to workplace safety, health, and maternity leave will further enhance the industry's growth potential, ensuring that women can thrive in this evolving sector.