Apple supplier Foxconn faces scrutiny for barring married women from jobs in India

Foxconn, a major supplier for Apple, is under scrutiny for systematically excluding married women from jobs at its main iPhone assembly plant in southern India. 

This practice has been revealed by a Reuters investigation, which found that the company cites family responsibilities and societal pressures as reasons for not hiring married women.

Parvathi and Janaki, sisters in their 20s, were among those turned away at the Foxconn plant in Sriperumbudur. They were informed by security and local auto-rickshaw drivers that married women are not hired. This exclusion stems from Foxconn’s belief that married women have more family responsibilities, including potential pregnancies, which the company views as risk factors.

Paul, a former human resources executive at Foxconn India, confirmed that the company prefers unmarried women due to these concerns. His account is supported by 17 employees from Foxconn’s hiring agencies and four current and former HR executives. They pointed to family duties, pregnancy, higher absenteeism, and potential interference of traditional jewellery with production processes as reasons for this discriminatory practice.

While Foxconn and Apple have acknowledged lapses in hiring practices in 2022 and claimed to have taken corrective actions, the discriminatory practices continued into 2023 and 2024. Apple maintains that it upholds high supply chain standards and has conducted monthly audits to address issues, while Foxconn denies allegations of discrimination based on marital status.

This situation draws attention to the broader challenges of adhering to global standards of inclusion while operating in conservative regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration aims to increase female labour force participation, but practices like those at Foxconn undermine these efforts.

Modi’s government has tried to reform labour laws to prevent gender-based discrimination, though these measures do not specifically address marital status discrimination. Despite the economic opportunities provided by Foxconn and other multinational companies, married women face significant barriers to employment.

Foxconn, which produces most iPhones in India at its Sriperumbudur plant, has outsourced hiring to third-party vendors who often instruct candidates to conceal their marital status to secure jobs. The company’s preference for unmarried women is attributed to concerns over metal ornaments worn by married Hindu women, which could interfere with production processes.

Despite official policies prohibiting discrimination, the reality at Foxconn’s Indian plant highlights the gap between corporate standards and local practices. While Apple and Foxconn tout their commitment to diversity and inclusion, the exclusion of married women from the workforce indicates ongoing challenges in aligning their operations with these values.