Indian garment manufacturer empowers 4,000 women through workforce development programme

Orient Craft, an India-based garment manufacturing company, has created meaningful employment opportunities for more than 4,000 women in Jharkhand state, with plans to expand this number to over 12,000 in the coming years.

Apparel Resources reported that the largest RMG unit in Ranchi has achieved remarkable gender inclusion, with nearly 50% of mid-level management positions held by women. Key leadership roles including plant head, head of compliance and HR are led by women.

Sudhir Dhingra, founder and chief managing director of the company, said: "Today, we have over 4,000 women whose lives we have been able to change, and as a company we have decided that more than 90% of our workforce will always be women, for which we have a training centre in place."

He added that the facility is currently operating at only 25% of capacity, and at full capacity will employ more than 12,000 women.

To build trust within communities, the company's team visited villages and encouraged women to explore employment opportunities in garment manufacturing. Training centres were established across rural Jharkhand, and upon completion of training, women were placed in jobs at the Ranchi facility.

Orient Craft works with global brands including AEO, NEXT, Polo, J.Crew, Rails, The Great, and Zimmerman. The company also receives brand support for women empowerment initiatives and is in discussions with NEXT to launch projects focused on tribal women.

The company's in-house initiative, UDAAN – GIVE HER WINGS, extends beyond employment to focus on women's health, education, respect, financial literacy and self-defence. The global sustainability teams at Ann Inc., Next and AEO have recognised this initiative.

Access complete details on Orient Craft's women empowerment initiative and workforce development strategy.