As the world gears up to
celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest
aluminium producer, is poised to have women comprise nearly a third of its
workforce by the end of FY25. It underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to fostering
greater gender diversity while also marking a significant step in bridging the
gender gap in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining industry.
According to a report by
the World Bank, women make up only 15% of the global mining workforce, with
even lower representation in specific regions. In India’s metal and mining
sector, their participation is dismally low as well, with women representing just
7.0% of all workers in the sector between 2010 to 2015. Despite efforts to
increase female representation, progress has been sluggish due to entrenched
biases and a lack of role models.
In a sector where women are
vastly underrepresented, Vedanta Aluminium stands out as a beacon of progress.
Today, women professionals comprise over 22% of the total number of employees
at Vedanta Aluminium. This is among the highest in the industry, but the
company is aiming even higher. It is challenging traditional gender biases
head-on by creating an equitable working environment, as evident in its
gender-agnostic roles based on merit, rich job content, and progressive
workplace policies such as the introduction of night shifts for women.
These moves have helped
Vedanta Aluminium build a cadre of pioneering women who are setting new
benchmarks in India's manufacturing sector. They are excelling across several
core functions, such as mine operations, metal production, power generation,
plant management, and asset security, challenging stereotypes on the way and
reshaping conventional notions of their industry.
On the occasion of
International Women’s Day 2024, the company has rolled out the ‘Women Of
Mettle’ series of short films as part of its ‘#TheFutureOfMetal’ campaign,
which aims to encourage more women to explore fulfilling careers in the metals
and mining industry. The films features young women professionals performing
important roles during the night shift at Vedanta Aluminium. The first film in
the series can be viewed on this link: https://youtu.be/KNyM7Fohlz0?si=r1WpnLQ50QYnaGok
Anjali
Pawar, Head of Quality Assurance at Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO),
shares her experience, stating, "My experience, spanning over a decade and
a half, has allowed me to witness firsthand the evolution of our processes and
standards to global benchmark levels. Quality assurance isn't just about
maintaining standards; it's about nurturing a culture of excellence and
customer satisfaction. Leading the charge in this journey has been nothing
short of fulfilling, blending my academic expertise with a sense of
purpose."
The company's efforts come
at a time when the metals and mining industry is undergoing a transformation,
propelled by Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability practices. With
increased automation and a focus on green solutions, the sector offers a
diverse range of career options, making it an attractive choice for jobseekers
of all backgrounds.
Shivani
Sharma, Exploration Manager at Vedanta Aluminium,
armed with a Geophysics degree from IIT Roorkee and over 16 years of experience
in mineral exploration, attests, "Venturing into the world of mineral
exploration wasn't just a career choice for me; it was a leap towards personal
fulfilment. Witnessing the transformative impact of empowering women in
traditionally male-dominated industries has been incredibly rewarding. Here,
I've found my passion and purpose, and I'm thrilled to be part of this
empowering movement.”
Vedanta Aluminium supports
women through various life stages with its comprehensive Parenthood and
Childcare Policy, facilitating a seamless balance between personal and
professional responsibilities. Initiatives like spouse hiring and extended
sabbaticals underscore the company's commitment to familial support and
employee well-being.
Breaking new ground in
gender inclusivity, Vedanta Aluminium has pioneered night shifts for women at
its Odisha operations through the ‘Shree Shakti’ initiative, enhancing career
prospects for women entering the metals and mining industry and acting as a
catalyst for more women to aspire for equitable careers. Additionally, the
company offers world-class living arrangements near its plants, fostering
community cohesion and well-being among employees and their families. Moreover,
Vedanta Aluminium has undertaken innovative recruitment efforts such as
‘Project Panchhi,’ which aims to empower young girls from marginalized rural
communities, offering financial support for higher education and employment
opportunities within the company.
Jepulina
Borah, Assistant Manager, Vedanta Jharsuguda, Odisha is
a business analyst at Vedanta Jharsuguda and doubles up as a crucial member of
its all-women Agnivahini firefighting team. She adds, "Joining the
firefighting team was like discovering a new dimension of myself. Balancing
work and life have never been easier, thanks to initiatives like the
‘Agnivahini' program. Here, I don't just analyze; I protect and thrive."
Suprita
Nanda, Head of Power Projects at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, Odisha,
having been the first woman to join the Vedanta Jharsuguda team in 2004,
emphasizes the importance of diversity: "As the Head of Power Projects for
a company with one of the nation's largest power assets, I feel an immense
sense of pride. The unwavering support I received from the onset of my career
has been the cornerstone of my enduring commitment to this organization. As a
woman in a leadership role, I am proud to be part of a company that values
female contributions and inspires the next generation of women leaders."
As Vedanta Aluminium leads the charge towards a more inclusive industry, it serves as a beacon for companies worldwide. By empowering women and breaking barriers, the organization not only enriches its workforce but also propels innovation and progress in the metals and mining sectors.