Women are supposed to be more discipline so they are preferred in textile and garment industry also. Gujarat is having the edge in this regard as the number women employees have increased by 15 per cent in textile industry nationally and double the rate in Gujarat. Better work environment, consistent income and other incentives by employers are attracting women into textile industry, especially in garment and fabric sections. Dr. Chandan Chatterjee, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Gujarat believes that around 80 per cent of the women are employed in garment sector followed by fabric and other sectors in the industry. Almost 10,000 women are involved in stitching garments in and around Ahmedabad itself. According to rough estimates, close to 90 lakh people are working in textile industry in Gujarat, including 45 lakh to 50 lakh women.
“In our new unit set up in Apparel Park in Khokhra, more than 60 per cent of employees are women,” said Bhavin Parikh, CEO, Globe Textiles. The company also runs a training centre wherein more than 50% women enroll for skill development.
Rachna Mehra, HR Head, Arvind Ltd. said, “Women employees in Arvind Ltd. have increased by more than 1,300 as its garment business is driven 100% by women employees. It not only focuses on hiring locals but also workers from outside the state at its facilities. Even in our new fire retardant garmenting division, it is looking to get an all-woman workforce.”
