The Paradox of Women's Employability in India

Despite a notable 28% rise in women's higher education enrolment according to the AISHE 2023 report, India faces a significant challenge where only 34-37% of graduating women are deemed employable, as highlighted in the "Her Path, Her Power" report by TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship (TLDA).

Key Statistics and Sectoral Analysis

• Overall Employability: Women contribute just 18% to GDP, despite comprising 48% of the population.
• Sector-wise Employability:
  • IT and Software: 36% employability
  • BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance): 40% employability
  • Retail and Sales: 42% employability
  • Healthcare: 55-60% employability, aided by structured training and skill alignment
  • Engineering: Only 22% employability, indicating significant challenges in technical fields

Disparities and Challenges

• Income Disparities: Women earn 20-35% less than men for similar roles, with leadership positions showing up to 28% discrepancies.
• Female Labour Force Participation: Approximately 31.7%, significantly below the global average of about 50%.
• Urban Participation: Even lower at around 22% despite higher educational achievements.
• Sectoral Concentration: Despite more qualifications, women often end up in lower-paying sectors.

Corporate Ladder and Apprenticeships

• Corporate Representation:
  • Entry-level: 31% women
  • Executive level: 17% women
  • Corporate boards: 20% women
• Apprenticeships:
  • Nearly 98% of apprentices transition to formal employment.
  • 38% of companies report having no women apprentices, indicating untapped potential.
  • Female apprenticeship enrolment increased by 58% over three years, especially in sectors like IT, retail, and automotive.
  • Underutilized sectors include BFSI, healthcare, and logistics.

Geographical Insights and Future Opportunities

• Leading Cities: Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with Hyderabad showing 42% women apprentices in 2024.
• Steady Gains: Cities like Kolkata and Chennai are also making progress.
• Skill Gaps and Solutions:
  • Manufacturing, electric mobility, and telecom face 40-50% skill gaps.
  • High-growth industries like IT, automotive, and healthcare demand job-ready talent.
  • Structured apprenticeships can enhance practical skills and improve employability.

Dr. Nipun Sharma, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, emphasizes that expanding women's participation through apprenticeships can significantly boost India's workforce and offers a more diverse talent pool.