Empowering Women and Rural Youth through Green Jobs
India’s Path to an Inclusive and Sustainable Future. Unlocking livelihoods at the intersection of climate action, skills, and inclusive growth
India’s green economy is rapidly evolving, with potential to create approximately 7.29 million green jobs by 2028 and 35 million by 2047, driven by significant investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, green construction, and sustainable sectors. This presents an opportunity to empower women and rural youth through diverse green job investments. Some sector-wise data highlights the urgent need for targeted investment by industry, CSR and state governments, particularly public-private-NGO partnerships towards under State Skills Training and Rural Livelihood Missions to facilitate inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Opportunities Across Sectors
The renewable energy sector, particularly decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions like solar irrigation, is poised to create over 115,000 jobs in India by 2030. Women play a vital role here, comprising up to 40% of the workforce in solar-related jobs. Initiatives like the Suryamitra Skill Development Programme train women to become solar pump technicians, reducing physical labour and enhancing income opportunities for women in rural areas.
Sustainable agriculture and allied sectors are key to green employment for rural youth and women. Mechanised tools and climate-smart farming practices are reducing labour intensity while creating new opportunities in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, and agro-processing. Programmes implemented by PCI India in partnership with State Governments of Haryana focus on skill development in climate-resilient agriculture, fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment among rural youth and women.
Women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas hold enormous potential. By 2030, an estimated 30 million women-owned MSMEs could employ nearly 150 million people. While challenges such as limited access to capital and infrastructure remains, there is growing momentum to address these gaps. Empowerment initiatives promoting solar-powered crafts, biogas units, and organic cooperatives are helping overcome barriers, boosting economic independence and sustainable practices.
Green Skill Development and Inclusion
Bridging skill gaps is essential for participation of women and rural youth in green jobs. Targeted education, vocational training, and apprenticeships are essential to bridge this divide. Programmes that integrate technology and gender-inclusive design can ensure equitable access to green jobs, contributing to India’s climate goals while advancing social equity. PCI India has articulated a clear vision and is actively promoting green jobs for women and youth in e-waste and DRE in multiple states and seeks further sector-specific green investments tailored to women and rural youth for inclusive sustainable development in India. PCI India believes that Viksit Bharat and 2070 climate goals can be achieved through partnerships that drive women’s economic empowerment and accelerating India’s green transition agenda.
The author is Shantamay Chatterjee, Director – Livelihood with WEE, PCI India, and this is part of his blog series titled “Reimagining Rural Livelihoods: From Subsistence to Sustainability”.