India’s leather industry is not only one of the oldest manufacturing sectors in the country but also one of the largest employers of women in the informal sector. From cutting and stitching to finishing and quality control, women form the backbone of many production units especially in leather hubs like Kanpur, Chennai, Agra, and Kolkata. As the industry evolves, the role of women is gaining recognition, and platforms like SkillsFill are helping unlock new opportunities for empowerment and career growth.

Traditional Roles of Women in Leather Manufacturing

Historically, women have been engaged in labor-intensive processes like hand stitching, skiving, coloring, and finishing tasks. These functions, while often undervalued, require precision, patience, and consistency. In small-scale units and family-run workshops, women often balance household responsibilities with production work, contributing significantly to household income.

In tannery-adjacent localities, women workers also assist in sorting hides, preparing materials, and managing pre-finishing operations. Their involvement is crucial to the timely delivery of export-quality goods. Despite their impact, women have long been restricted to back-end roles, receiving low wages and limited recognition.

Empowerment Through Skill-Based Training

The modern leather industry is becoming more technical, process-driven, and quality-focused. This shift has created a demand for trained, semi-skilled, and skilled workers—especially women who can adapt quickly to machine-based operations. Organizations like SkillsFill have stepped in to provide dedicated skill development programs tailored to women in leather clusters.

These programs focus on:

• Machinery operations (stitching, clicking, embossing)
  
  

• Quality control and inspection
  
  

• Design and pattern making
  
  

• Footwear and accessory production techniques
  
  

By equipping women with industry-relevant skills, SkillsFill helps them move beyond manual labor to better-paying and supervisory roles, building self-confidence and economic independence.

Women in Managerial and Entrepreneurial Roles

A growing number of women are now stepping into leadership roles across the leather value chain. From production supervisors and quality control managers to entrepreneurs running their own leather workshops, women are redefining what it means to be part of this industry.

In cities like Vellore and Ambur, several women-led microenterprises produce leather bags, wallets, and shoes for domestic and export markets. Supported by NGOs, government incentives, and hiring platforms like SkillsFill, these women-led units are creating employment for others in their communities—especially younger women who seek alternatives to unskilled factory work.

Challenges Faced by Women Workers

Despite positive trends, challenges remain. Many women in leather face:

• Wage gaps and informal employment
  
  

• Poor access to health and safety facilities
  
  

• Lack of childcare or flexible hours
  
  

• Limited awareness of their labor rights
  
  

Bridging these gaps requires a combined effort from employers, government bodies, and workforce enablers like SkillsFill. Creating safe working environments, ensuring equal pay, and promoting female leadership in factories are vital steps toward lasting change.

The Future: A Skilled, Inclusive Workforce

As the global demand for ethically made leather products increases, there’s a rising emphasis on workforce diversity, sustainability, and transparency. Indian leather companies are under pressure to meet global standards—not just in product quality but also in working conditions and social responsibility. Women workers will play a key role in this transformation.

With continued training, placement, and support from platforms like SkillsFill, the leather industry can become a powerful vehicle for women’s empowerment in India. From being the silent workforce behind the scenes, women are now stepping forward as skilled professionals, team leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of one of India’s most vital export sectors.

SkillsFill is proud to be part of this journey—connecting skilled women to jobs, fostering inclusive workplaces, and helping India’s leather industry grow with dignity and purpose.