Foxconn to push for more women in leadership roles following fiasco over policy on hiring married women

Foxconn, the manufacturing giant that makes the iPhone for Apple, is setting its sights on boosting the number of women in leadership roles in India, particularly within design and technology. This initiative comes in response to recent criticisms of its hiring policies concerning married women at some of its Indian facilities.

Chairman Young Liu has emphasised that Foxconn is committed to offering more opportunities for women beyond the traditional assembly line positions. According to a report by PTI, Liu noted that many of Foxconn’s female employees in India are highly educated. The company is keen to help these employees advance into more challenging and rewarding roles, including positions in design and technology.

In India, Foxconn employs around 48,000 people, with women constituting 70 per cent of the workforce. Of these women, a notable 25 per cent are married.

More from Tech

How ChatGPT is becoming everyone’s BFF and why that’s dangerous America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

Foxconn has also recently opened a new residential complex near Chennai for its female staff, which can accommodate over 18,000 workers. This step is part of the company’s broader efforts to create a more supportive work environment.

Foxconn is also making significant investments in its operations in India. The company is building its second-largest mobile manufacturing plant outside of China in Karnataka, with an investment of Rs 25,000 crore. This new facility is expected to create around 40,000 jobs.

Beyond manufacturing, Foxconn is exploring new opportunities in India. The company is considering setting up a battery energy storage system unit in Tamil Nadu to support the electric vehicle industry. Additionally, Foxconn is planning to establish a semiconductor plant and begin electric vehicle production in the country.

Impact Shorts

More Shorts

America ready for self-driving cars, but it has a legal problem

Alibaba, Baidu begin using own AI chips as China shifts away from US tech amid Nvidia row

Liu also highlighted that Foxconn’s information and communication technology segment is just starting to develop in India. The company is looking to advance its “3+3 strategy,” which focuses on expanding in three key areas: electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics.

Foxconn’s move to promote more women into leadership roles and its expansion into new ventures underscores its commitment to growth and innovation in India. This approach reflects a broader trend within the tech industry, where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important.