The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAR 06, 2024
As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is on track to have women make up nearly a third of its workforce by the end of FY25. This milestone underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s steadfast commitment to fostering greater gender diversity, representing a significant stride towards narrowing the gender gap prevalent in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining industry.
According to a report by the World Bank, women comprise only 15% of the global mining workforce, with even lower representation in specific regions. In India’s metal and mining sector, their participation remains dismally low, with women accounting for just 7.0% of all workers between 2010 and 2015. Despite ongoing efforts to increase female representation, progress has been sluggish due to entrenched biases and a lack of visible role models.
In a sector where women are vastly underrepresented, Vedanta Aluminium emerges as a beacon of progress. Presently, women professionals constitute over 22% of the total workforce at Vedanta Aluminium, marking one of the highest levels of female representation in the industry. Yet, the company aspires to surpass even these commendable figures. It confronts traditional gender biases head-on by fostering an equitable working environment, exemplified by gender-agnostic roles based solely on merit, enriched job content, and progressive workplace policies including the introduction of night shifts tailored for women.
These proactive measures have empowered Vedanta Aluminium to cultivate a cadre of pioneering women reshaping the landscape of India’s manufacturing sector. They excel across diverse core functions, from mine operations and metal production to power generation, plant management, and asset security, challenging stereotypes and redefining conventional notions of their industry.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2024, the company launches the ‘Women Of Mettle’ series of short films as part of its ‘#TheFutureOfMetal’ campaign. This initiative aims to inspire more women to explore rewarding careers in the metals and mining industry. The films showcase young women professionals performing vital roles during night shifts at Vedanta Aluminium, illustrating their competence and dedication. 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), reflects on her journey, spanning over a decade and a half, witnessing the evolution of processes and standards to global benchmarks. She emphasizes that quality assurance transcends mere maintenance of standards, encompassing the nurturing of a culture of excellence and customer satisfaction, a journey she finds immensely fulfilling by blending academic expertise with a profound sense of purpose. “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,” says Anjali.
Vedanta Aluminium’s initiatives coincide with a transformative period in the metals and mining industry, driven by Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability practices. With a heightened focus on automation and green solutions, the sector offers a spectrum of career opportunities, attracting job seekers from diverse 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, shares her profound fulfillment in venturing into mineral exploration. She acknowledges the rewarding impact of empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries, finding her passion and purpose in this empowering movement. “Venturing into the world of mineral exploration wasn’t just a career choice for me; it was a leap towards personal fulfillment. 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,” she says.
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 pioneers 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 catalyzing aspirations for equitable careers. Additionally, the company offers world-class living arrangements near its plants, fostering community cohesion and employee well-being. Moreover, Vedanta Aluminium undertakes innovative recruitment efforts such as ‘Project Panchhi,’ empowering young girls from marginalized rural communities with financial support for higher education and employment opportunities within the company.
Jepulina Borah, Assistant Manager at Vedanta Jharsuguda, serves as a business analyst and a crucial member of its all-women Agnivahini firefighting team. She shares her experience of discovering new dimensions of herself through joining the firefighting team and attests to the ease of balancing work and life, thanks to initiatives like the ‘Agnivahini’ program. “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,” says Jepulina.
Suprita Nanda, Head of Power Projects at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, emphasizes the importance of diversity as she reflects on her journey as the first woman to join the Vedanta Jharsuguda team in 2004. She expresses immense pride in her role and underscores the unwavering support she received from the organization, highlighting its recognition of female contributions and its role in inspiring the next generation of women leaders. “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,” adds Suprita.
As Vedanta Aluminium spearheads efforts towards a more inclusive industry, it serves as a global exemplar. By empowering women and dismantling barriers, the organization enriches its workforce, propelling innovation and progress in the metals and mining sectors.
