CHENNAI: As Tamil Nadu strengthens its position as one of India’s manufacturing powerhouses, women guest workers have emerged as an increasingly important force behind the state’s industrial success. The growing presence of women guest workers is particularly visible in electronics, garments and other labour-intensive manufacturing sectors. In that context, a fundamental question still remains: Why does Tamil Nadu attract women guest workers? Such an approach has implications not only for industries but also for workers, particularly women and guest workers who depend on reliable transport, accommodation and other basic infrastructure to access employment. Safe workplaces, reliable transport, affordable accommodation, childcare, healthcare, skill development and opportunities for career progression will be critical to retaining women workers.