On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Vedanta Limited announced that women now account for more than 35 percent of its STEM fresher recruitment, rising to 45 percent when leadership and management roles are included. The company has set a target of surpassing 50 percent women hiring in STEM positions beginning this year.
This development represents a notable shift within India’s metals, mining, manufacturing and energy industries, traditionally characterised by low female participation. While women comprise nearly 40–45 percent of India’s STEM graduates, their share in the global STEM workforce remains below 30 percent, with significantly lower representation in mining and metals. Vedanta’s progress reflects sustained efforts to close the gap between education and long-term technical careers.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., stated that expanding women’s participation in science and technology is vital for India’s self-reliance and industrial growth. She highlighted milestones such as enabling women to work underground in mines, opening night shifts, and establishing all-women production lines and locomotive operations.
Digital transformation across Vedanta’s operations has played a key role in this transition. Automation, real-time monitoring systems, standardised procedures and digital safety frameworks have improved workplace predictability and inclusivity. These measures have enabled equitable participation, including night shift roles for women across core operations.
Women engineers, scientists and technologists within Vedanta contribute across mining, metallurgy, process engineering, environmental sciences and energy systems. Their work supports domestic resource security, value chain development and decarbonisation efforts.
The company’s talent strategy spans early recruitment, career progression and retention. Partnerships with women’s engineering colleges, structured leadership platforms and mentorship initiatives support career growth. Progressive policies include spouse hiring for mobility support, a year-long childcare sabbatical, and a monthly flexible work option focused on well-being. Integrated townships near plant locations provide access to schools, healthcare, daycare and community facilities.
Vedanta has also extended stock option grants to women leaders, encouraging long-term ownership and leadership continuity.
Women professionals across Vedanta’s businesses are already delivering measurable results. At coal mines in Odisha, geologists lead exploration, modelling and quality management efforts while supporting environmental initiatives. At Cairn Oil & Gas, data-driven reservoir management has improved drilling efficiency and production stability in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin.
Beyond its workforce, Vedanta runs STEM-focused social impact programmes that have reached over 50,000 women and girls since 2021, aligned with goals for quality education and gender equality. Initiatives such as Unchi Udaan in Rajasthan have enabled first-generation learners to pursue engineering education at premier institutions.
Through inclusive hiring, workplace reforms, digital transformation and community outreach, Vedanta continues to build a stronger ecosystem for women in science and technology, contributing to India’s industrial development and clean energy transition.
