Gender parity in Green jobs

General Studies Paper -3 

Context: The article highlights the issue of inadequate representation of women in Green jobs.

What is a Green Job?

As per International Labour Organization, it is a decent job that contributes to preservation or restoration of the environment. They can be in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and construction or in new segments linked to green energy.

What is the status of women participation in green jobs market?

• Despite tremendous increase in India’s renewable energy capacity, women comprised only 11% of workers in the solar rooftop sector.
• The Annual Survey of Industries 2019-20 shows that women workers are mostly concentrated in industries such as apparel, textile, leather, food, and tobacco.

What are the reasons behind their low participation in the green jobs market?

1. Gender Stereotypes-There is a general belief that women are unsuitable for certain technical roles. There are also concern about the safety of women.
2. Low participation in manufacturing and engineering sector– In India, Women constitute 42.7% of the total STEM graduates (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, they represent only 30.8% in engineering, manufacturing and construction programmes which are the key sectors for green transition.
3. Lack of robust data– There are no periodic gender analysis and gender statistics on green jobs.
4. Lack of proper training– A Skill Council for Green Jobs study indicated that 85% of the training for green skills was imparted to men. Due to lack of green skill, their participation is restricted.
5. Lack of women friendly policies– There are no dedicated Gender-focused financial policies and products which could cater to the requirements of women entrepreneurs.

What is the significance of enhanced women participation in green jobs?

1. Foster gender equality– It can address the gender biases in the Indian labour market and improve women’s labour force participation rates.
2. Sustainable economy– It would help in unlocking the benefits of a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy.

What should be the way forward?

1. Plugging data gap– There is a need to conduct gender analysis, collecting gender statistics on green jobs through periodic labour force surveys to emphasize women’s role in the green transition.
2. Address structural barriers-There is a need to address issues like low participation of women in manufacturing and engineering field and lack of adequate skill development training for women.
3. Women friendly policies– The government should devise ways to ensure collateral-free lending, financial literacy training to unlock the true potential of women. COP 28’s ‘Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership’ with a focus on improved data, targeted finance, and skill development is a step in right direction.
4. Leadership – There is a need to bring more women into leadership positions to incorporate gender-specific needs in low-carbon economy.
5. Multi-stake holder participation– There should be partnerships across government, private sector and other stakeholders to ensure the availability of technology and finance for women entrepreneurs and workers.

Businesses must recognize the centrality of gender justice and ensure equity throughout the process of green transition by mitigating existing barriers.