Exciting time ahead for women to shine in the manufacturing sector

The nation is witnessing a massive shift in the manufacturing industry, driven by women. Ms. Apala Ray, Global Cyber Security Manager, Industrial Automation Process Industries, ABB, shares with Pro MFGmedia, the significance of women in the manufacturing sector and how the industry can attract young girls to the manufacturing industry.

India is becoming one of the top three emerging markets on the global platform. The nation is at the cusp of a paradigm change in its growth, and its position in the world. Its rapid development in all fields has been faster than anywhere else in the world. India has also emerged as a global power for its skilled workforce. In the current era, there are numerous initiatives to attract women in different fields of engineering. The organizations are actively promoting gender diversity in the workforce. Apart from that, the current digital transition has opened wide gates for the women in the engineering industry. This transition has allowed women to enter diverse engineering streams in the manufacturing sector, and hence the current times are exciting for women in the industry.

It is essential that the young girls are motivated and educated about the manufacturing industry. Companies organize industrial visits for schools and colleges to provide more information about this to give them a wider view of the industry. They must be introduced to women role models so that they can comprehend the industry. It is essential to teach young girls the importance of being independent and education for their better future. Surviving in the male-dominated industry may often scare them, and hence they should be molded with confidence.

With modern technologies and open education platforms, the younger generation has wider scope to learn the theory with practice. Although, the manufacturing sector should address the grass-root problems and resolve them with practical solutions. The industry is witnessing the emergence of a large number of strong and talented women in the manufacturing sector.

Apala Ray, Global Cyber Security Manager, Industrial Automation Process Industries, ABB, is one of the most prominent women in the cybersecurity sector. Currently, she handles the cyber security development of ABB process industry products, compliance to ABB cybersecurity requirements, and cybersecurity assessment of products to be delivered to the consumer. Her role also involves collaborating, integrating, and defining roles within the cybersecurity process, which are key considerations for industrial sectors to ensure that they comply with standards, such as IEC 62443. At ABB, the team works closely with the global R&D teams, the project and service organizations, and the commercial cybersecurity team.

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