India aims to become the ‘skill capital’ of the world by embracing the potential of critical sectors like beauty and wellness. Not only does this sector have the potential to foster economic independence and growth, but it can also provide opportunities for women, and particularly those from marginalized social groups. With the right training and resources, these individuals can acquire the skills and business acumen needed to succeed in the fast-growing beauty industry.
Presently, despite being targeted towards women, the cosmetics industry isn’t necessarily run by women due to a lack of knowledge and skill. The beauty sector is often overlooked when it comes to skill development, commonly due to gender bias, regulatory hurdles, a lack of recognition, and the perception of frivolity. As an industry closely linked with femininity, this sector’s importance in skill development initiatives is often undermined due to gender biases.
Additionally, the beauty industry’s strict regulations make it challenging for skill development programs to be designed and implemented successfully. Plus, unlike many other sectors, the beauty and wellness industry doesn’t receive enough recognition for its economic contribution and employment generation. The lack of recognition often results in a lower emphasis on skill development within the industry.
However, this perception is far from reality. The beauty industry is a serious sector, worthy of recognition alongside traditional professions. And like any other field, this one too needs a strong, systematic process and strategy for its advancement.
The role of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), established by the Ministry of Finance, is crucial to ensure this sector’s growth. By promoting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the NSDC has successfully galvanized change in numerous sectors. If applied to the beauty industry, it can be transformative.
The NSDC could introduce beautician and cosmetic courses by collaborating with industry experts, beauty academies, and other relevant stakeholders. These partnerships would create a comprehensive curriculum and provide the necessary infrastructure and equipment. In addition, by promoting these courses through an effective outreach program, more girls, especially those from marginalized communities, would be encouraged to take up careers in the beauty sector. This move, in turn, would stimulate economic development.
In 2023, India’s Cosmetic Market was valued at $8.1 billion, and it is expected to reach $18.4 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% over the forecast period. This projected growth underscores the demand for skilled professionals in this industry. The NSDC’s introduction of structured courses would equip aspirants with standard training, opening new avenues of entrepreneurship and job creation.
The growth of the beauty industry would create new economic opportunities for women, namely by generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and satisfying increasing consumer demands. With the escalating demand for beauty and wellness services, there is a significant need for skilled professionals. Introducing structured courses will fill this gap, creating a pool of qualified beauticians, makeup artists, skincare specialists, etc., thus effectively addressing the industry workforce’s requirements.
In conclusion, structured educational programs would ensure that aspiring beauticians and cosmetic professionals acquire standardised training, furnishing them with the skills and knowledge they need.
