Seema Chavan of Pyrotek India finds a future for women in the male-dominated Indian manufacturing sector. Seema started her career with Allanasons Private Limited, and now working with Pyrotek India for more than 22 years as a Production Plan Engineer. Entering the industry as a novice with a willingness to learn, she has exemplified the growth opportunity a woman can have in manufacturing.
On International Women's Day, GDC Tech Forum felicitated Seema Chavan for her incredible work at Pyrotek India, and also inspired many women engineers who are looking to explore their career opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
As a female employee, Seema Chavan has nothing but high praises for the company she is working with – Pyrotek India which she joined in the year 2000 and has been integral to the growth of the organisation. Pyrotek is a leading manufacturer of products & solution providers across the globe, for THERMAL and ACOUSTIC insulations for various industries. “They are very considerate and liberal towards women and the company has a lot of policies for their betterment,” Seema adds.
She aspires to be an important member of the organization who can actually contribute to the firm and also imbibe personal growth from it. Pyrotek India has a department solely consisting of female employees. Pyrotek has over 150 female staff on the shop floor itself and around 45 working in various other departments of the firm.
Pyrotek encourages a positive attitude among all its employees and pays special attention to the mental as well as physical health of its employees. They have occasional sports and games like volleyball and cricket and employee engagement is mandatory. All-female employees participate in these, and there is a work-life balance.
“The Company also takes a special interest in training and female hygiene of the employees. We even have a Gynaecologist. The amount of work going into the wellbeing of female staff is truly commendable,” Seema adds.
Promoting Gender Equality
Pyrotek has female members on their MNC boards in countries like Japan, the UK, US and is working to accommodate the presence of women in India also. When asked about Gender equality, Seema said, “even though we are very much evolved from our mentality about the concept from a decade ago, there is still a sense of domination by the male crowd. But I firmly believe that, as time passes the waves will settle and we will definitely have a gender-neutral tomorrow.”
Contrary to popular belief Seema Chavan, Production Plan Engineer of Pyrotek India, finds manufacturing a safe and secure career choice for women from her personal experience. Seema wants every aspiring woman to give manufacturing a shot, “It's a safe and respected field of work for women contrary to what you might hear. But if you have a natural affinity towards this field just don't let that go.”
A Humble beginning
Seema Chavan started her journey as a fresher who had the opportunity to join Allanasons Private Limited. “As a newbie who was fresh out of college, I had some trouble in the beginning due to lack of experience and exposure. However, everyone at Allanasons was compassionate and always ready to lend a hand. Whenever I got stuck in a challenge, my seniors were always ready to clear her doubts for her.”
Seema believes that asking questions is an essential part of learning.“Asking questions doesn't mean you're ignorant but it portrays that you are willing to learn,” she adds.
Seema believes in having set goals to achieve. “To have goals, be it personal or professional, having a clear target always boosts you along the way. We have to start taking responsibility for our lives. After all, we are the CEO of our lives and we should hire or fire people or feelings according to our goal.” Seema wants every girl out there to believe in herself and their abilities to reach their dreams.