Blue-collar jobs have been part of India’s workforce for years. They are the backbone of industries like logistics, manufacturing, and construction, improving production and efficiency. Blue-collar workers take on physically demanding jobs, often outdoors, and usually require skills like operating machinery. Every business, big or small, relies on these workers. However, the gender gap in blue-collar jobs is a concerning reality. The underrepresentation of women in these jobs raises serious questions about our efforts towards genuine gender equality.
The 80% gender gap in blue-collar jobs
Something less known is that, on average, women are underrepresented by 80% in blue-collar work. A 2023 Deloitte survey highlights just how wide the gap is. The ratio of men to women in blue-collar jobs stands at 12:1. This means for every 12 men, there’s only one woman in these roles.
Women’s participation in the blue-collar industry has increased by 35-40% post-pandemic, yet their overall presence in the workforce remains low, at just 14-15%. Domestic responsibilities, societal norms, safety concerns, and gaps in digital and skill literacy contribute to the gender gap. Over the past few years, women’s participation in blue-collar jobs in India has remained between only 10-15%.
Why blue-collar women are walking away
An 11-country survey by the Oliver Wyman Forum revealed that one in five blue-collar women leave their jobs, making them 19% more likely to quit than blue-collar men. These women were also 36% more likely to quit compared to their white-collar counterparts in fields like finance, technology, and healthcare.
One primary reason is that blue-collar women earn less than men. That makes it harder for them to make a living. Even part-time blue-collar women are twice as likely as men to lack enough work hours to earn enough. As a result, they are 50% more likely to take on second or multiple side jobs.
While low pay is a key factor, issues like poor work-life balance and workplace culture also contributed to their decisions to leave. Many of these fields are traditionally male-dominated. That creates a hostile environment that often leads to burnout, workplace harassment, and sexual violence. In fact, 29% of women working in blue-collar jobs are more likely than men to leave due to a lack of respect and recognition.
Gender gap in blue-collar jobs: A lack of benefits for women
Blue-collar women often miss out on essential workplace benefits like health insurance and paid leave. Only 48% of women in blue-collar roles receive these standard benefits. It is the lowest percentage compared to other groups. Blue-collar companies rarely provide extra support, such as menstrual leave, paid maternity leave, or separate toilets for women.
According to Deloitte, only 18% of companies surveyed employ women night shift workers. However, even among those few companies, only half provide door-to-door transportation, which is essential for ensuring the safety of women working late hours.
All these instances of inadequate support discourage women from staying in or entering blue-collar industries. That makes it harder for them to build long-term careers in these fields.
The final thoughts
What needs to change is the divide between “pink” and “blue” collar jobs. The “boys’ club” culture that often exists in blue-collar industries can make women feel isolated or unwelcome. As a result, women either feel pressured to adopt masculine behaviours to fit in or, worse, leave the industry altogether.
Companies should focus on creating a more inclusive, supportive environment where women can succeed based on their abilities. Moreover, they should not feel alienated or pressured because of their gender. If these changes happen, blue-collar jobs can become more accessible to women, offering better pay and opportunities.
References
Oliver Wyman Forum: How Companies Can Support Blue-collar Women
2023 Deloitte Survey of Blue Collar Workforce Trends
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
