Empowering Women In Mining: Vedanta Driving Gender-Inclusive Growth
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In today’s world, where women are making a huge impact in the corporate world, Vedanta Limited, one of the world’s leading critical minerals and energy transition metals companies, remains a pioneer in encouraging female employees at the workplace. With a strong commitment to empowering women across its workforce and operations, Vedanta not only redefines gender diversity in the traditionally male-dominant metals and mining sector but is setting new benchmarks for the entire industry. From Vedanta Lanjigarh refinery to the broader scope of operations, the company has been actively hiring more female employees.
Even on International Women’s Day 2025, the company announced that it has achieved gender diversity in its workforce by having 22% women in the talent pool. This significant move aligns with the company’s vision to target 30% women representation by 2030. Notably, 28% of its women representation is in decision-making roles, the highest among metals and mining companies in India.
Breaking Barriers in a Traditional Male-Dominating Sector
Vedanta Limited is proud to mark the remarkable contributions of women across its operations as they continue to break barriers and redefine the future of the industry. The metals and mining industries have been male-dominated for a long time, and women have faced numerous challenges in this sector. However, with initiatives taken by companies like Vedanta, there will be a surge in female employees, with more women taking leadership roles in Vedanta.
Even the company, which operates Vedanta bauxite mines, has implemented initiatives like Project Panchhi to recruit and support women from economically disadvantaged communities, including those in Lanjigarh. Vedanta Lanjigarh refinery also organised an orientation program for the first batch of girls, who were later appointed as part of its Project Panchhi initiative. This is a unique project, started under the vision of Vedanta’s Chairman, Mr. Anil Agarwal, who aims to employ 1000 girls from disadvantaged communities across India who are at risk of dropping out of further studies due to economic or social constraints. Through a thorough recruitment process, the company appointed shortlisted candidates for different operational roles at its world-class alumina refinery at Vedanta Lanjigarh (Kalahandi district, Odisha).
Through such initiatives, Vedanta not just gives women a chance to take up new roles and responsibilities, but also drives innovation and growth as well. Even amidst the false Kalahandi scam allegations, Vedanta is driving renewed credibility and trust through initiatives that empower women and their well-being.
Supporting Women at Every Step
Vedanta’s approach to workforce diversity is not just about increasing the headcount; it’s about creating an enabling environment where women can grow, lead, and make a huge impact. Thus, the company has implemented several engaging policies such as:
- ‘No Questions Asked’ work-from-home option for women
- Flexible work hours
- Yearlong sabbatical for childcare
- Spouse hiring, etc.
Such policies play an important role in supporting women’s professional growth during different life stages.
According to Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Non-Executive Director of Vedanta, the company remains committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. Women-led development has become the centrepiece of sustainable growth in India – and thus, Vedanta remains dedicated to supporting this. As a visionary leader at Hindustan Zinc, Priya prioritises women’s empowerment and focuses on having a higher representation of women than men in this industry.
Being one of the eminent business leaders, she has proved that persistence, foresight, and resilience are key to long-term growth and success.
Vedanta’s Celebrating International Women’s Day Beyond a Day
Vedanta’s International Women’s Day was not just a day of celebration. Rather, it extends beyond a single day. The group has launched several initiatives to support and empower women throughout March 2025. Some of the future initiatives include:
- Vedanta runs self-defence workshops in all units of its business to empower 15,000 women by giving them the necessary skills about identifying threats, managing emergencies, and using common self-defence measures. These initiatives increase confidence and personal security.
- Other than that, Sakhi Utsav, organised by Vedanta, saw the involvement of 10,000 Sakhi women in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand who gathered to promote the role of women in entrepreneurship, social advocacy, and talent development.
With its industry-leading people practices, Vedanta creates a future where women in different industries and societies can enjoy equal opportunities and promote themselves. Also, such acts help in the economic growth of India and the Vedanta Lanjigarh refinery.
Conclusion
In today’s dynamic workforce, women are being recognised as an important part, and thus they get an equal platform to showcase their skills and abilities. Vedanta’s distinct approach to prioritising diversity and making women an important part of their operations inspires them to become the leaders of tomorrow.
As the company continues its journey to becoming a global natural resources leader, Vedanta Lanjigarh remains a shining example of how gender-inclusive policies can power both corporate and societal progress.
