The beauty and wellness sector is emerging as a transformative force, equipping women with essential skills and providing financial sustainability

Despite various initiatives, a significant gender gap persists in learning and earning opportunities between men and women. Skill development can be a transformative force, enhancing women’s professional growth and economic independence. By acquiring skills, women can access broader job opportunities, empowering them socially and economically.

A survey titled “Women’s Economic Empowerment,” conducted in 2023-24 by the Indian Statistical Institute Delhi, explores women’s skill development and employment landscape. It reveals that 7 out of 10 women lack economic independence. India ranks 142nd out of 146 countries in the Global Women’s Economic Participation and Opportunities Index. Women in India contribute only 17 per cent to the GDP, which is less than half the global average. Their economic participation is essential for sustainable development, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), integrating 68 million more women into the workforce by 2025 could potentially increase India’s GDP by USD 0.7 trillion. The World Bank also reports that including 50 per cent of women in the workforce could boost India’s GDP growth by 1.5 percentage points.<

The International Labor Organization (ILO) states that India’s Women’s Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) was about 32.8 per cent in 2023, while it was 67.2 per cent for men. Women are primarily found in specific sectors such as agriculture (73.2 per cent), education (44.1 per cent), and healthcare and beauty-wellness (31.4 per cent).

An estimated 7.5 crore women are expected to join the workforce in the coming decade. To ensure that this vital human resource—nearly half of the country’s workforce—is effectively utilised and contributes at least 25 per cent to national economic growth, the government must prioritise skill development for women’s empowerment.

In addition to these gaps, prevalent gender stereotypes affect skill acquisition. Women generally pursue skills in beauty and wellness, textiles, clerical work, and healthcare. The DP-WEE study indicates that 30.2 per cent of skilled women aged 18 to 35 primarily acquire skills in the beauty and wellness sector, followed by 21.5 per cent in tailoring.The beauty and wellness sector is one of the most significant forces driving women’s empowerment in India today.

The industry’s rapid growth, the accessibility of skill development, the increasing number of women entering the workforce and entrepreneurship, and the rise of women in leadership roles all contribute to fostering a more equitable society. In India, the beauty and wellness sector is rapidly advancing women’s empowerment by providing substantial employment to approximately 12.3 million people, of whom 66 per cent are women.

This workforce includes individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds and educated families. According to a 2023 report by Technavio, the beauty and personal care industry in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 per cent from 2021, reaching a market value of over $20 billion and creating employment opportunities for around 20.3 million people. Promoting female entrepreneurship in India is crucial, as participation is low, with only one in five entrepreneurs being women.

The beauty and wellness sector offers women significant employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to actively promote skill development, entrepreneurship, and self-employment in this sector through targeted training initiatives, entrepreneurship education, and financial support, enabling women to enhance their professional growth. India’s beauty and wellness industry has low entry barriers for women looking to become entrepreneurs.

Many women have capitalised on this sector to establish their businesses, empowering them to take control of their financial futures and influence the industry’s direction. Over 30 per cent of beauty and wellness businesses in India are now owned by women, ranging from small beauty parlours to large spa chains and wellness centres. By building businesses in this sector, women create financial independence and contribute to economic growth. Entrepreneurship fosters leadership skills, self-reliance, and resilience, making women more visible and influential economically.

Government initiatives and private institutions have been instrumental in equipping women with the necessary tools for success in the industry. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has played a vital role in training women for careers in beauty and wellness. Initiatives like The Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (BWSSC) provide certifications and skill development courses to millions of women nationwide.

According to the BWSSC, nearly 2 million women have been trained through skill development programs in beauty and wellness in India, significantly enhancing women’s employability and career growth.

Orane International, a training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has spent over two decades empowering 250,000 women in tier 2 cities and suburban areas with valuable skills in beauty and wellness. This initiative has helped bridge geographical disparities and enhanced their career prospects, enabling them to pursue diverse roles in the industry. The hybrid mode of training also boosts their chances for professional advancement, addressing various challenges and reducing the gender employment gap.

Beyond financial and professional empowerment, the beauty and wellness sector boosts women’s self-esteem and confidence. In a society where women’s appearances have often been scrutinised, the beauty industry allows women to express themselves, feel more self-assured, and engage actively in both social and professional spheres. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within this industry, driving trends and shaping its future.According to FICCI’s 2021 report on the beauty and wellness sector, women hold significant leadership positions in major beauty brands and represent 50-60 per cent of senior management in several top companies.

As women advance to leadership roles, they influence industry trends, promote diversity and inclusivity, and help break down gender norms. Their leadership inspires the next generation of women to pursue prominent roles, further advancing gender equality in the workforce.With a growing focus on sustainability in the beauty and wellness sector, women have opportunities to lead initiatives that promote environmental awareness and social responsibility.

Many women in this field are focused on business growth and actively cultivating sustainable and ethical practices that positively impact society.By offering women financial independence, career advancement opportunities, and self-expression platforms, the beauty and wellness sector is reshaping the future for women in India. This sector’s economic, social, and psychological benefits pave the way for a new generation of women contributing to India’s growth trajectory.

(The writer is co-founder and MD of Orane International, a training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a network Member of India International Skills Centres, an initiative of GoI; the views expressed are personal)