The leather sector in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu, plays a pivotal role in empowering women through substantial employment opportunities and supportive government policies:
1. Significant Female Workforce Participation:
- High Representation: Women constitute approximately 85% of Tamil Nadu’s leather industry’s skilled and unskilled labor force, highlighting their central role in this sector.
2. Government Initiatives Promoting Women’s Employment:
- Mega Footwear Manufacturing Park: The Tamil Nadu government has announced the establishment of a 250-acre footwear manufacturing park in Panapakkam, Ranipet district, with an investment of ₹400 crore. This project is expected to generate around 20,000 jobs, with a significant focus on benefiting women.
- Tamil Nadu Footwear and Leather Products Policy 2022: This policy aims to attract ₹20,000 crore in investments by 2025 and create employment opportunities for 200,000 individuals, with a substantial emphasis on women’s empowerment.
3. Socio-Economic Empowerment:
- Economic Independence: Employment in the leather sector provides women financial autonomy, enhancing their decision-making power within households and communities.
- Skill Development: Training programs and on-the-job experience enable women to acquire valuable skills, increasing their employability and potential for career advancement.
4. Community Development:
- Improved Living Standards: Steady employment contributes to better living conditions and access to education and healthcare for workers’ families.
- Social Inclusion: The sector offers opportunities for marginalized groups, promoting social equity and inclusion.
Through these avenues, Panapakkam’s leather industry significantly contributes to women’s empowerment, fostering economic growth and social development in the region.
