Fri Mar 07 13:30:54 UTC 2025: **Sri City Industrial Zone: A ‘Women’s City’ Redefines Gender Parity in Manufacturing**

TIRUPATI, Andhra Pradesh – March 7, 2025 – The Sri City industrial zone in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is challenging traditional notions of factory work, becoming a model for gender inclusivity. With women comprising 52% of its 65,000-strong workforce across 235 companies from 30 countries, the zone has earned the moniker “Sthree City” (Women’s City).

This remarkable shift is a result of a conscious policy prioritizing gender parity. Companies within Sri City actively recruit women for roles previously dominated by men, including engineers, technicians, and professionals in production, quality control, and testing. To support this, Sri City has created a women-friendly environment with dedicated transport, childcare, healthcare, and enhanced security measures.

Addressing the skill gap, Sri City partnered with industries and the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) to provide industry-relevant training. Companies like Alstom, Thermax, and Isuzu have also implemented their own upskilling initiatives, training women for technical roles such as metro train assembly and welding. Several companies boast impressive percentages of women employees, including Daikin AC (40%), Blue Star (50%), Havells (60%), MSR Garments (80%), Gen Linen (90%), and Everton Tea (97%).

Sri City’s founder and Managing Director, Ravindra Sannareddy, attributes this success to targeted training and emphasizes that increased women’s participation drives both industrial growth and societal change. Industry leaders echo this sentiment, highlighting the positive impact of women’s empathy, discipline, and customer focus in the workplace. The initiative positions Sri City not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a beacon for inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Read More