The gender disparity extends to leadership positions, where men hold 93% to 95% of top roles, while women occupy only 5% to 7% of leadership positions in the semiconductor industry.
India’s semiconductor sector is undergoing rapid expansion, positioning itself as a major global player. Women in India’s semiconductor sector are set to play a pivotal role in this transformation, with their participation expected to increase from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2030.
Despite this positive trajectory, deep-rooted structural challenges and cultural biases continue to hinder women’s progress in the industry.
The Growing Semiconductor Industry and the Role of Women
The Indian semiconductor market, projected to reach USD 79.20 billion by FY2031, is witnessing massive growth. The global semiconductor industry is poised to become a trillion-dollar market by the decade’s end. With India expecting to create 1 million jobs by 2026, the sector must embrace diversity to sustain growth and innovation. Women in India’s semiconductor sector remain underrepresented but are poised for a significant rise in numbers.
Gender Disparity in India’s Semiconductor Sector
Currently, women constitute only 25% of India’s 220,000-strong semiconductor workforce. In various job segments, the gender disparity remains pronounced:
- Chip Semiconductor Fabrication: 60% men, 40% women
- Chip Design: 70% men, 30% women
- ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging): 80% men, 20% women
- Software Development: 75% men, 25% women
- System Circuit Design: 80% men, 20% women
- Manufacturing Supply Chain Management: 70% men, 30% women
The gender disparity extends to leadership positions, where men hold 93% to 95% of top roles, while women occupy only 5% to 7% of leadership positions in the semiconductor industry.
Key Barriers to Women’s Inclusion in the Semiconductor Sector
1. Gender Bias in STEM Education
Despite an increasing number of women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees, few transition into semiconductor roles. Societal expectations, lack of mentorship, and limited visibility of female role models deter women from entering and advancing in the field.
2. Workplace Challenges and Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities
Women in India’s semiconductor sector often face challenges such as workplace biases, limited networking opportunities, and a lack of mentorship. Many report difficulties in career progression, with fewer opportunities to lead critical projects or access decision-making roles.
3. Limited Industry-Wide Policies Supporting Women
The absence of robust gender policies, including equal pay, returnship programs, and flexible work arrangements, discourages women from entering and remaining in the industry. Additionally, the male-dominated culture in semiconductor firms can make women feel isolated and undervalued.
Key Initiatives to Increase Women’s Participation in India Semiconductor Sector
Bridging the gender gap requires strategic initiatives, including:
1. Upskilling and Training Programs
Empowering women through specialized semiconductor design and engineering courses will help bridge the skills gap. Institutes must collaborate with industry leaders to provide targeted training. Government-led programs and corporate-funded initiatives can support technical education and leadership development.
2. Gender-Neutral Hiring and Pay Parity
Women in India semiconductor sector face pay gaps and hiring biases. Implementing gender-neutral hiring policies and ensuring equal pay for equal work will encourage more female participation. Companies must conduct regular pay audits to eliminate wage disparities.
3. Inclusive Work Culture and Policies
Organizations need to introduce policies that support women professionals, including:
- Maternity leave and post-maternity career support
- Flexible work arrangements and remote work options
- Returnship programs for women resuming careers after a break
- Diversity and inclusion training for employees at all levels
4. Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
Creating women-friendly workplace environments, including safe transport, women-only accommodations, and on-site childcare facilities, will attract more women to semiconductor roles. Companies must invest in ergonomic workspaces, parental support programs, and mental health resources.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Inclusive Growth
Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, highlights the urgency of structural and cultural shifts in the semiconductor industry:
“There is a need for both mindset and infrastructural shifts to increase the participation of women. Gender-neutral policies and equal opportunities must be prioritized. Additionally, infrastructural changes, including worker housing, healthcare facilities, and efficient transport, will be critical in attracting and retaining skilled female talent. Collaboration between the government and the private sector will be key in building a safe, sustainable, and worker-friendly semiconductor ecosystem in India.”
Renu Bhatia, a leading semiconductor expert and advocate for women in STEM, adds:
“India’s semiconductor industry has the potential to set a global example by prioritizing diversity and inclusion. By investing in education, mentorship, and workplace equity, we can unlock the full potential of women engineers and leaders.”
Future Outlook: Women’s Participation to Hit 35% by 2030
With the right initiatives, the participation of women in India semiconductor sector is expected to rise from 25% in 2025 to 35% by 2030. As India accelerates its electronics manufacturing ambitions, integrating more women into the workforce will be crucial for driving long-term innovation and economic growth.
The Path Forward for Women in India’s Semiconductor Sector
The future of women in India semiconductor sector depends on sustained efforts from educational institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders. By addressing gender bias, implementing progressive policies, and fostering a culture of inclusion, India can build a semiconductor industry that benefits from the skills and expertise of both men and women.
As the nation strives to become a global semiconductor powerhouse, ensuring equal opportunities for women will be essential for creating a robust, diverse, and innovative ecosystem.
