India’s retail industry is on a steady growth trajectory, with projections indicating it will surpass $2 trillion in the coming years. As one of the largest contributors to the economy, the sector is witnessing rapid transformation driven by changing consumer preferences, digital advancements, and a shifting workforce dynamic. Among these developments, the increasing participation of women stands out as a defining factor in shaping the industry’s future.
Traditionally, the retail industry was perceived as male-dominated, particularly in leadership and operational roles. However, this landscape is changing. More women are stepping into leadership roles, managing businesses, and influencing customer experiences in impactful ways. Their growing presence is not just about representation but about reshaping industry norms. From leading retail enterprises to excelling in frontline roles, women are playing a crucial role in facilitating inclusivity while bringing fresh perspectives to retail operations.
Breaking barriers with women in leadership
The presence of women in India’s retail industry has seen a steady rise over the years. As of 2022, women occupied about 14% of leadership positions in the sector. While this number is still evolving, it reflects a positive shift in corporate attitudes towards gender diversity. More companies are recognising the value of female leadership and are actively working to create pathways for women to advance into senior roles.
Beyond traditional corporate leadership, entrepreneurship among women in retail is also on the rise. Women-led retail businesses now make up nearly 20% of all retail enterprises in the country. This trend highlights the growing confidence and capability of women in building and scaling businesses. Many of these ventures are shaping consumer trends, especially in sectors like fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
A stronger presence in the operational workforce
Women currently make up approximately 25-30% of the total retail workforce in India. Their presence is particularly noticeable in customer-facing roles such as beauty advisors, fashion consultants, and store executives, where their ability to connect with consumers plays a crucial role in enhancing sales and customer satisfaction. These positions highlight their ability to connect with consumers, personalise experiences, and drive sales in an industry where customer interaction is crucial.
In addition to traditional roles, more women are now venturing into supply chain management, logistics, and merchandising, domains that were once considered male-dominated. This shift is not just an outcome of individual ambition but also of structured efforts from organisations that are actively working to close the gender gap. It is driven by better training opportunities, changing workplace policies, and a conscious effort by companies to encourage gender diversity.
Building an inclusive industry with targeted training and hiring
Gender diversity in the workforce is no longer an aspiration but a necessity for the retail industry. Companies are actively reshaping hiring policies to bring more women into the workforce at every level. Beyond recruitment, skill development plays a key role in ensuring their professional growth. Studies show that 73% of organisations have significantly increased investment in training programs designed to fast-track women into leadership. These initiatives, often developed in collaboration with industry bodies, provide targeted technical and managerial expertise, helping women excel in operations, technology, marketing, and customer experience.
Strategic vision towards enhancing women’s participation
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Gender biases, societal expectations, and the disproportionate burden of domestic responsibilities still hinder the professional growth of women in the retail sector. Career breaks due to family commitments often slow down their progression, making re-entry into leadership roles more difficult. Addressing these challenges requires continued efforts from both companies and policymakers to create a work culture that values long-term career growth for women.
Many companies are introducing flexible work schedules, childcare support, and career re-entry programs for women returning after career breaks. These initiatives make it easier for women to sustain and grow their careers while balancing personal responsibilities. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, which extends paid maternity leave to 26 weeks, has been a step towards supporting working mothers. A more gender-sensitive work environment is not just about inclusion but about enabling more women to step into executive and decision-making roles.
Meanwhile, the government’s entrepreneurial schemes and financial support initiatives are empowering more women to establish their own ventures, fostering an ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive. Programs like Stand-Up India and PM Mudra Yojana have helped women entrepreneurs secure funding to start and expand businesses.
A promising future
India’s retail industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 9% between 2019 and 2030, increasing from approximately $779 billion dollars in 2019 to more than $1.8 trillion dollars by 2030. This rapid expansion means more job opportunities and leadership roles will be created, opening doors for women to take on larger responsibilities in the sector.
As businesses continue to embrace diversity and implement gender-inclusive policies, the retail industry is becoming more accessible to women at all levels. This commitment to inclusivity, coupled with the rising number of women entrepreneurs, is bridging the gender gap and creating more opportunities in both operational and leadership roles. With supportive workplace environments, targeted training, and evolving societal perspectives, women are set to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of India’s retail sector.
Sources:
- https://www.ibef.org/industry/retail-india
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/more-and-more-indian-companies-focus-on-enhancing-womens-professional-development/articleshow/109241571.cms?from=mdr
- https://www.statista.com/topics/8208/retail-in-india/#topicOverview
