The Indian textile sector is at the threshold of a technological revolution, with Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) poised to reshape textile production, design, and marketing. So it is crucial to ensure the continued empowerment of the sector’s predominantly female workforce.
Currently, the textile sector directly employs approximately 4.5 crore people and an additional 6 crore people in allied sectors, making it the second-largest employer for women in the country after agriculture.
The key to enhancing the role of women in the textile sector lies in upskilling initiatives aimed at equipping them with the tools to harness the potential of AI and digital technologies.
However, empowering women in this AI-driven era requires a broader focus on eliminating gender stereotypes in the workplace and ensuring equal access to digital technologies. Digitally empowered women are not only better equipped to navigate the industry independently but can also resist exploitation by middlemen.
The integration of AI into the textile industry brings promising opportunities, and women workers have the potential to lead this change. A collaborative effort among all stakeholders is essential to provide the necessary training and support, ensuring the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. This transformation is about empowering women to shape their future.
