Context:
The transition to a low-carbon economy holds significant promise for creating green jobs and fostering sustainable development. In India, the potential for green job creation is estimated to be substantial, with projections suggesting the addition of about 35 million green jobs by 2047. Green jobs, as defined by the International Labour Organization, are characterized as decent jobs that contribute to the preservation or restoration of the environment. However, despite the opportunities presented by the green economy, there exists a gender disparity in the distribution of these jobs, with men being more likely to transition to green jobs compared to women.
Gender Disparity in Green Jobs:
Globally, men are disproportionately represented in green jobs compared to women. This trend is reflected in India as well, where women comprise a significantly smaller proportion of the workforce in sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and manufacturing. For instance, in the solar rooftop sector, women accounted for only 11% of the workforce, highlighting the stark gender disparity in the distribution of green jobs. Moreover, data from the Annual Survey of Industries 2019-20 reveals that women are predominantly concentrated in industries such as apparel, textile, and food, while men dominate sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing.
Several factors contribute to the gender disparity in green jobs, including social norms, safety concerns, and limited representation of women in STEM subjects. A study conducted by the Skill Council for Green Jobs in 2023 found that 85% of green skills training was imparted to men, indicating a systemic bias in the training and recruitment processes. Additionally, societal expectations regarding women's roles and responsibilities, as well as familial constraints, further hinder women's participation in green job opportunities. Addressing these structural barriers is essential to ensure gender equity in the transition to a green economy.
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About STEM STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates these four disciplines to solve real-world problems. STEM education aims to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and innovation skills among students, preparing them for future careers in fields such as engineering, computer science, healthcare, environmental science, and more. |
Addressing Data Gaps and Structural Barriers:
One of the key challenges in addressing gender disparity in green jobs is the lack of comprehensive data on women's participation in these sectors. There is a need to map emerging areas for green growth and collect sex-disaggregated data on green jobs to better understand the landscape of women's work in India. Initiatives such as conducting gender analysis, collecting gender statistics through labor force surveys, and mobilizing resources to encourage women's participation in green jobs can help bridge this data gap. Additionally, efforts should be made to recognize the hidden and invisible roles played by women across different sectors and geographies.
Policy Interventions and Support Mechanisms:
To empower women and advance gender equity in climate actions, targeted policy interventions and support mechanisms are essential. Providing early hands-on learning, mentorship, scholarships, and financial assistance can help bridge the gender gap in STEM subjects and empower women to pursue careers in green jobs-related fields. Moreover, gender-focused financial policies and products catering to the needs of women entrepreneurs can spur their ability to enter the green transition market. Collateral-free lending, financial literacy training, and building supportive networks are crucial steps to unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs in the green economy.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, increasing women's representation in green jobs is critical for realizing the co-benefits of a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy. Addressing the gender disparity in green jobs requires a multi-pronged approach that includes addressing data gaps, dismantling structural barriers, and implementing targeted policy interventions. By empowering women and advancing gender equity in climate actions, India can unlock the full potential of its green economy and create opportunities for sustainable development. It is imperative for stakeholders across government, private sector, and civil society to collaborate and prioritize gender justice in the transition to a green economy, ensuring that the benefits of green jobs are accessible to all.
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Source – The Hindu
