What do the millennial say?

Hema Java, Java Paper 

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
Being a relatively new entrant into the print industry, it's been a very encouraging place to be ever since I joined.

The industry acknowledges the lack of women in the sector and I do see a good effort to make it a comfortable place for us to work.

What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
I guess this would happen organically, starting with visiting education centres and colleges in this field of study to encourage women students to join this industry. Another thing would be, a safe work environment and clean working conditions to increase the women participation in production roles.  

Prutha Kedar, Kodak India

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why?
Yes, I would agree it’s better. The reason being there are more professional courses today that prepare you for this industry. Also, this is an industry which deals with a very important part in a consumer's life: print and package. With so many innovations, technological advances, new products, brands, eCommerce developing, this industry has become more streamlined.

What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
I think, creating more opportunities for women, training more women to work in the manufacturing sector. Companies can evaluate their man to woman ratio in their workspace.

Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?  
Honestly, speaking, I do not have any particular role model. But working / interacting/ reading about the amazing work women are doing in this industry really amazes me and motivates me.

Sulochana Pathak, Weener Empire

Is print now a better industry for women to work in? Please explain why ...
In terms of the number of women entering the industry, yes things look better but we still don't see enough women at the higher management level especially in the manufacturing front. In fact, there are still companies that exclusively mention while placement drives, that female candidates cannot apply. We have a long way to go.

What’s the best way to attract more women into the sector?
Better working conditions and representation. Most of the industries in printing do not have the standard laws in place w.r.t. women's safety i.e., sexual harassment policies, maternity, parental leaves policy. I feel it is a male-dominated industry, and women have very low chances of growth. So the organisation of the industries and implementing strict measures to make the workplace safe and convenient for women would be a great start to get more women in key positions.

Do women coming into the industry need role models? Who is your role model in our industry - and why so?
At this point, there are not enough women at higher positions. In fact, I was in awe when our head of quality for pan-India was a woman. We need many more people along with tangible steps to get more women interested in this field. As for me, I think every woman I come across who speaks her mind and has battled against the odds is a superstar. Because I know it has not been an easy task.

If you want to share your point of view about the above story or about women in print, please email: charmiane.alexander@haymarketsac.com