Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is marking Women’s Equality Day on August 26th by reaffirming its dedication to gender equality and empowering women both within the company and in the wider community. TKM’s initiatives are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those emphasizing gender equality and promoting decent work opportunities.
The company aims to increase the representation of women in its workforce to 30% by 2030. To reach this target, TKM has launched several Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. These include forming a senior leadership team to focus on DEI, conducting industry benchmarking, and aligning with the International Labour Organization’s 2030 agenda to create more opportunities for women.
G. Shankara, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, highlighted the importance of gender equality in driving the company’s success and sustainability. “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, gender equality is not just a goal but a crucial element of our organizational success. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are proud of the progress we are making in empowering women within our workforce. Our efforts in setting ambitious targets and investing in the right infrastructure and training programs are not only enhancing gender diversity but also creating an environment where everyone can thrive. As we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, we renew our commitment to providing equal opportunities and paving the way for a more equitable future for all,” Shankara said.
Earlier this year, in March 2024, TKM held a capping ceremony for its first batch of 55 women supervisors and welcomed 160 new female team members, bringing the total number of women at the company to over 450. TKM plans to expand this number to more than 850 by the end of the year. The company has also introduced a Gender Diversity Standard Operating Procedure Manual and has implemented various programs such as unconscious bias surveys and the “Samvardhana” sensitization program to further support gender diversity.
In addition, TKM has expanded its training initiatives, including doubling the intake of students in its three-year residential course at the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) to 1,200, with up to 600 spots reserved for female students. The company has also made significant infrastructure investments, such as building a new dormitory at TTTI and enhancing safety features and facilities, to support these efforts.
