The Udaiti Foundation has released a study showcasing the remarkable strides made by Mahindra’s Swaraj Division and Swaraj Engines Limited (Swaraj) in fostering gender diversity on shop floors. The study highlights the efforts of Swaraj in increasing women representation - growing from just 1.5% in 2013 to over 10% in 2024, thereby setting a benchmark for India’s tractor manufacturing sector.
Women employees have lower absenteeism and higher retention rates, contributing to enhanced productivity and operational efficiency, hence making a strong case for their inclusion in the manufacturing sector.
Despite challenges such as limited enrolment in technical trades, cultural resistance, and safety concerns, Swaraj has implemented targeted initiatives to overcome these barriers.
One notable achievement is the integration of women into their foundry facilities, a traditionally male-dominated area requiring physical endurance and technical precision.
Key Reasons for this Transformation
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Workplace redesigns have played a pivotal role in making manufacturing roles more inclusive. Ergonomic adjustments, including robotics, raised platforms, and gravity mechanisms, have minimized physical strain while improving efficiency.
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Collaborations with 15 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), 5 polytechnics, and Advanced Technical Institutes have helped create a robust talent pipeline.
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Tailored training programs such as dexterity modules and on-the-job training have equipped women with the skills needed to excel.
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Safety measures such as GPS-enabled transport, buddy systems, and women security guards ensure a secure and supportive environment.
Swaraj has also actively engaged with communities by conducting parental counseling and organizing shop floor visits, addressing cultural concerns, and encouraging women to explore careers in manufacturing. Pooja Goyal, Founding CEO of The Udaiti Foundation, commended the efforts, saying, “Swaraj’s journey underscores the transformative impact of investing in skills, infrastructure, and community engagement. It offers a replicable model for the manufacturing sector to drive women’s economic empowerment and significantly contribute to India’s growth story.”
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Women remain under-represented in technical education, with only 400 out of 17,000 students in Punjab’s ITIs enrolled in trades like diesel mechanics and machinists. Furthermore, the reliance on contractual roles limits long-term career growth for women in the sector. Addressing these gaps will require sustained efforts and systemic changes.
Swaraj’s achievements demonstrate that prioritizing gender diversity strengthens workforce resilience and drives operational excellence. This progress serves as an inspiration for companies across industries to create equitable workplaces and unlock the potential of women in India’s economic landscape.
