How skills initiatives are shaping India’s workforce – Insights from Irene Tan, HR Head, Coca-Cola INSWA – CNBC TV18

India is ready to reach 1.04 billion working age persons by 2030An important demographic is on the verge of a dividend. This underlines the urgency to seize this window of opportunity to maximize the potential of our workforce and drive economic growth. India’s demographic dividend is expected to continue At least till 2055-56 And will peak around 2041. However, without a significant increase in employment opportunities for women, there is a risk of undermining our potential for sustainable economic growth. After all, According to ORF studyProviding equal opportunities to women can contribute an impressive US$770 billion to India’s GDP.

By providing highly specialized training in new age and industry related skills, the stakeholders are enhancing the employability of the youth. Skill India Mission is making continuous efforts to expand infrastructure for training and apprenticeship of women along with introducing flexible training methods. For example, the National Skill Development Corporation is reshaping the retail landscape with the Super Power Retailer program with a focus on training women in retail management and customer service. With more women joining the workforce, the proportion of wage earners and dependents has increased and the dependency ratio has decreased.

Beyond financial gain – self-confidence and self-worth

The Super Power Retailer program has not only provided economic benefits but also instilled a sense of confidence and self-worth in the participants. Today, women stand as role models in their communities, inspiring others to gradually change social norms through education and careers. Tailored programs that address the specific needs of women are also vital for effective empowerment – ​​from vocational training in traditional crafts to digital literacy programmes, ensuring women are not left behind in the rapidly evolving job market.

The impact of women’s economic empowerment is undeniable, making communities more resilient and prosperous. Their participation in the labor force and entrepreneurship not only promotes economic growth, but also contributes diverse perspectives and skills that foster innovation, improve decision making, and increase productivity. For example, microfinance initiatives have empowered women in rural and underdeveloped areas to start businesses, increase their household incomes, and contribute to local economic resilience, challenging established patriarchal norms.

Lift up women, create a better future

In today’s corporate scenario, where diversity and inclusivity are fundamental values, creating an ecosystem where women have access to quality education, guidance and job opportunities has become the need of the hour. Going forward, our initiatives should focus on scaling up successful programs, ensuring reach to remote and marginalized communities, ensuring awareness for lifelong learning, and integrating technology to enhance learning outcomes.

To make skills truly effective for women in India, training programs must adopt gender-sensitive design that acknowledges the unique challenges women face in today’s world. This will ensure that women not only enter but also retain the formal workforce. By investing in women’s education and skills, India will be able to harness the full potential of its rural workforce, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity for all.

-The author, Irene Tan, is VP-HR at Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia. Opinions are personal.