India wants to be the next China. Half of its population holds the key

India’s economic growth is not meeting expectations, posing a challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who seeks to transform the country into a $5 trillion economy. The lack of job opportunities for women is a notable obstacle hindering India’s growth. With over 460 million women of working age in the country, the low participation of women in the labor force is preventing India from reaching its full economic potential. Studies suggest that India could achieve a higher rate of economic growth if more women were engaged in the workforce. Despite efforts by the Indian government to promote women’s employment, cultural norms and other factors continue to limit their participation. However, some companies are making efforts to diversify their operations and increase the hiring of women. Notably, Apple suppliers such as Foxconn are expanding their presence in India and hiring more women. Additionally, the Tata Group is working towards improving diversity in its manufacturing plants, aiming to provide benefits such as affordable housing and transportation to support women in the workforce. The state of Tamil Nadu is also implementing initiatives to accommodate women workers, such as building housing projects near manufacturing facilities. While India faces challenges in replicating the dormitory culture seen in China, decentralized economic development may provide alternative opportunities for women to join the workforce in various regions.