Gender Equality and Self- Efficacy: Key Drivers for Women's Sustainability Development in the Automobile Industry

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainability within the automobile industry requires a comprehensive approach that actively involves and empowers women. This study explores two crucialfactors influencing women's contributions to sustainability development: self-efficacy and gender equality. Despite increasing recognition of women's roles in sustainability, there remains a significant gap in understanding how these factors interact to enhance or hinder their effectiveness in the automobile sector. Utilizing a random sample of 278 women from automobile companies in the Kanchipuram district, including Sriperumbudur, Oragadam, VallamVadagal, Singaperumal, and Maraimalai Nagar, this research employs structured questionnaires and chi-square teststo analyze the data. The findings highlight the pivotalrole of self-efficacy in empowering women to lead sustainability initiatives, while also underscoring the impact of gender non-discrimination policies in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. However, the study identifies a research gap in the nuanced interplay between these two factors and their collective influence on women's sustainability development efforts. Addressing this gap is crucial for formulating effective strategies that promote gender equality and enhance the self-efficacy of women, thereby driving significant advancements insustainability within the automobile industry. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers, industryleaders, and researchers aiming to cultivate a more equitable and sustainable future.