As the world prepares to observe International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium aims to have women make up nearly a third of its workforce by the end of FY25. This initiative highlights Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to promoting greater gender diversity and represents a significant stride towards narrowing the gender gap in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining sector.
According to a World Bank report, women constitute only 15% of the global mining workforce, with even lower representation in certain regions. In India’s metal and mining industry, female participation is notably low, accounting for just 7.0% of all sector workers between 2010 and 2015. Despite efforts to enhance female representation, progress has been slow due to deep-seated biases and a lack of female role models.
In an industry where women are significantly underrepresented, Vedanta Aluminium shines as a symbol of advancement. Presently, female professionals make up more than 22% of Vedanta Aluminium’s workforce, a figure that ranks among the highest in the sector. However, the company aims to surpass this benchmark. Vedanta Aluminium is actively confronting traditional gender biases by fostering an equitable work environment.
This commitment is evident in its gender-neutral roles based solely on merit, substantial job responsibilities, and forward-thinking workplace policies like introducing night shifts for women. These initiatives have enabled Vedanta Aluminium to cultivate a group of trailblazing women who are establishing new standards in India’s manufacturing sector. They are excelling in various key roles, including mine operations, metal production, power generation, plant management, and asset security.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the company has launched the ‘Women Of Mettle’ series of short films as part of its ‘#TheFutureOfMetal’ campaign. The aim is to inspire more women to pursue rewarding careers in the metals and mining industry. These films showcase young women professionals working important roles during the night shift at Vedanta Aluminium.
Anjali Pawar, who serves as the Head of Quality Assurance at Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), shares her extensive experience. She mentions, “Over the past fifteen years, I have observed firsthand the progress of our processes and standards to achieve global benchmarks. Quality assurance goes beyond maintaining standards; it involves fostering a culture of excellence and customer satisfaction. Leading this journey has been incredibly rewarding, as it combines my academic knowledge with a sense of purpose.”
During a period marked by significant changes in the metals and mining sector, driven by advancements in Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability measures, the company has stepped up its efforts. This shift towards automation and sustainability has opened up a wide array of career paths within the industry, appealing to job seekers from diverse backgrounds.
Shivani Sharma, who serves as the Exploration Manager at Vedanta Aluminium, holds a degree in Geophysics from IIT Roorkee and boasts over 16 years of experience in mineral exploration. She remarks, “Choosing a career in mineral exploration wasn’t just a decision for me; it was a journey towards personal fulfillment. Seeing the positive impact of empowering women in industries traditionally dominated by men has been extremely gratifying. In this role, I’ve discovered my passion and purpose, and I’m excited to be part of this empowering movement.”
Vedanta Aluminium supports women through various stages of life with its comprehensive Parenthood and Childcare Policy, enabling a smooth balance between personal and professional duties. The company’s commitment to supporting families and ensuring employee well-being is evident through initiatives like spouse employment opportunities and extended leave options.
Vedanta Aluminium has made significant strides in promoting gender inclusivity by introducing night shifts for women at its Odisha operations through the ‘Shree Shakti’ initiative. Moreover, Vedanta Aluminium has launched innovative recruitment efforts, such as ‘Project Panchhi,’ which seeks to empower young girls from marginalized rural communities by offering financial support for higher education and employment opportunities within the company.
Jepulina Borah, Assistant Manager at Vedanta Jharsuguda, Odisha, and a business analyst at Vedanta Jharsuguda, is a vital member of its all-women Agnivahini firefighting team. She expressed her experience, stating that joining the firefighting team was like discovering a new dimension of herself. She credits initiatives like the ‘Agnivahini’ program for making it easier to balance work and life, emphasizing the opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.
Suprita Nanda, Head of Power Projects at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, Odisha, was the first woman to join the Vedanta Jharsuguda team in 2004. She highlights the importance of diversity, stating that as the Head of Power Projects for a company with one of the nation’s largest power assets, she feels immense pride. She acknowledges the unwavering support she received from the beginning of her career, which has been crucial to her enduring commitment to the organization.
As a woman in a leadership role, she is proud to be part of a company that values female contributions and inspires the next generation of women leaders. Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts towards a more inclusive industry serve as a beacon for companies worldwide. By empowering women and breaking barriers, the organization not only enriches its workforce but also drives innovation and progress in the metals and mining sectors.