Amid India’s fast-growing semiconductor sector—expected to reach USD 79.20 billion by FY2031, the global industry is poised to become a trillion-dollar market by the end of the decade. This growth presents unprecedented opportunities for talent, with the Indian semiconductor sector projected to generate 1 million jobs by 2026. However, reaching this scale demands a more inclusive workforce as the industry cannot thrive alone as a male-dominated field. Women’s participation will be essential in propelling its growth and innovation.
Currently, women comprise just a fourth of India’s 220,000-strong chip design and engineering workforce, but this figure is expected to surpass 30% by 2027. Despite this, men continue to dominate key semiconductor roles. For instance, in the Chip Semiconductor Fabrication, men and women engage stands at 60:40 (men to women); Chip Design is at 70:30, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) stands at 80:20, and so forth. The gap extends to leadership as well—men hold 93%-95%% of leadership roles in the sector, while women account for only 5%-7% at the top levels. Bridging this divide is essential for building a sustainable and diverse semiconductor ecosystem in India.
This gender gap in India’s semiconductor sector can be bridged through upskilling programs, pay parity, and inclusive employee benefits such as maternity leave, career break support, flexible work options, and project-based roles. Commenting on this gap, Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services added, “There is a need for both mindset and infrastructural shifts to increase the participation of women. This implies that gender-neutral policies and equal opportunities need to be prioritized. Additionally, Infrastructural shifts in the form of worker housing, healthcare facilities, and efficient transport will also play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining skilled workforce. Collaboration between the government and private sector will be key in building safe, sustainable, and worker-friendly environments. As India accelerates its electronics manufacturing ambitions, integrating women into the design and manufacturing ecosystem will be essential.”