Empowering Women in Infrastructure: Building a Stronger, More Inclusive Future
“At Egis, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our women employees. We offer a range of initiatives aimed at empowering their professional growth, including comprehensive training programs, flexible work hours, and remote work options. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to creating equal opportunities and helping women thrive within our organization.”
Jasbir Kaur, Director, HR, Egis South Asia
Gender diversity at the workplace has never been so important. As companies worldwide acknowledge the need for a diverse workforce, the theme of gender diversity is transforming into one of the most important determinants for business growth, innovation, and forward march. Diversity in the workplace not only enhances innovation and solving not only problem-solving but also enables organizations to adjust to dynamic market conditions. With the globe speeding towards a more inclusive tomorrow, it's obvious that attracting and retaining people diversity is no longer a social responsibility for corporate but a key business necessity. Gender diversity in India's workforce is an area of growing focus, with increasing efforts to address representation gaps across various sectors. While women make up nearly 50% of the population, their presence in key industries, particularly those vital for national growth, has room for expansion. The infrastructure sector, which is currently experiencing an extraordinary boom, presents a significant opportunity for women to contribute. As one of the country's largest employers, increasing female representation in this sector not only benefits individual companies but also plays a pivotal role in driving India’s overall growth and progress.
The infrastructure industry in India has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this is rapidly changing. Women are increasingly stepping into key roles across engineering, project management, urban planning, sustainability, and more. Professions such as architecture, urban planning, and traffic planning, which were predominantly occupied by men, are now seeing an increasing number of women taking on leading roles in the infrastructure sector. Additionally, women are making their mark in heavy engineering, machinery operations, locomotive engine driving, ship deck crew, and piloting. These are just a few examples of professions where women are increasingly showcasing their interest and expertise. As they continue to break barriers, their contributions are reshaping the sector, driving innovation, and setting new standards for the industry.
To foster greater female participation in the infrastructure sector, it’s important to challenge traditional stereotypes that associate the field with masculinity and physicality. These outdated perceptions have limited women’s involvement, but with proactive efforts, they can be transformed. By showcasing female role models, celebrating the achievements of women leaders, and offering mentorship programs, organizations can inspire and empower more women to pursue successful careers in infrastructure.
Furthermore, efforts are made to develop an ecosystem promoting female involvement at every level, including labor and leadership. This can be achieved through developing specific recruitment drives, affording women the same opportunities as men in training and skill development, and creating career advancement opportunities. Women need to be included actively in the decision-making forums, project management groups, and leadership positions so that they can create a lasting impact on the industry. Industry players must also invest in research and data gathering to learn more about the issues affecting women in infrastructure and leverage this data to spur change.
Government and Corporate Efforts Driving Gender Inclusivity in Infrastructure
The participation of women in India’s infrastructure sector is steadily increasing. More women are taking on roles in project management, engineering, sustainability, and digital transformation, signaling a shift towards greater gender inclusivity.
The government plays a pivotal role in advancing gender equality within the infrastructure industry. By implementing policies that encourage women's participation in the workforce, particularly in high-growth sectors like infrastructure, the government helps level the playing field. Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission and Stand-Up India Scheme, which focus on promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, are crucial steps forward. Additionally, creating female-friendly infrastructure policies and offering incentives for companies to recruit and retain women can further drive gender equality. Programs like the Maternity Benefit Act, Skill India, and initiatives promoting STEM education for girls are also opening doors for women to enter and excel in the infrastructure sector, providing the support needed to overcome barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Many infrastructure companies are recognizing the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in driving success. By offering flexible work arrangements, remote work options, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities, these companies are fostering an environment where women can grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We at Egis as an organisation is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our women employees. We offer a range of initiatives aimed at empowering their professional growth, including comprehensive training programs, flexible work hours, and remote work options. These offerings are part of our ongoing commitment to creating equal opportunities and helping our women employees thrive within the organization.
Women Leading the Way in Sustainable and Inclusive Infrastructure
Women professionals are playing a crucial role in driving sustainability within the infrastructure sector. Their contributions to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, urban planning, and smart city projects are making cities greener, smarter, and more sustainable for future generations. Women leaders are emerging as role models in fields such as urban planning, transport, and renewable energy. These women are not only breaking through the glass ceiling but also paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in infrastructure. Their dedication and passion are inspiring others to pursue careers in the industry, demonstrating that with perseverance, women can overcome any challenge and build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
As India plans to become a world leader in infrastructure, the integration of women into the workforce will be a decisive driver in the nation's development process. In order to realize this potential, the sector must make the ecosystem conducive, encouraging, and empowering for women. Encouragingly, we are beginning to witness some progress. Increasing numbers of women are joining the infrastructure industry, assuming leadership positions, and shattering barriers. The development of the infrastructure industry in India offers a unique window of opportunity to empower women, enhance gender equality, and contribute to national economic growth. Investing in women and equipping them with tools and opportunities to excel can help India create a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable future for everyone.
As more women join the infrastructure industry, the sector is becoming more diverse, innovative, and resilient. The collaborative efforts of government initiatives, corporate support, and the leadership of trailblazing women are driving the industry’s growth, ensuring that future infrastructure is built on a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability, and progress. The journey for women in infrastructure is rich with opportunities, as workplaces evolve to embrace greater inclusivity, and technology helps bridge accessibility gaps. With continued efforts, women will not only contribute to but also lead the transformation of India’s infrastructure landscape, paving the way for a brighter and more dynamic future.
