- For several decades, the metals and mining sector was predominantly male, with limited change
- Women now occupy 28 percent of leadership positions within Vedanta, versus the industry average globally of only 8percent
The metals and mining sector, which has traditionally been regarded as a male-dominated industry, is being reshaped by a strong force — spearheaded by Vedanta Limited. With women occupying 28 percent of leadership positions today, in contrast to the global industry average of a mere 8 percent , Vedanta is creating a new gender inclusion standard.
In a nation where women workforce participation fell to 19 percent in 2021, Vedanta is making bold moves to change the trend. The corporation is not just shaping India's clean energy and critical minerals future but placing women at the center of it all — from operating potlines and commanding underground rescue teams to making important decisions in boardrooms.
Vedanta has established a specific vision: a 30 percent increase in female representation by 2030. But the mission is more than mere figures — it's a transformation in how women interact with business. From running the world's largest aluminum potline at Jharsuguda completely through women, to rolling out India's first all-female underground mine rescue teams in Rajasthan, Vedanta continues to pave new paths. At Rampura Agucha mine, women now head night shifts at control rooms, thanks to a landmark policy shift favoring equal opportunity in working hours.
The openness of the company is enabled through pro-workplace policies like hybrid working arrangements, flexible working arrangements, 12-month maternity leaves, crèche facilities, spouse recruitment programs, and integrated townships with schools and medical centers.
These programs aim to enable women throughout all phases of their life — as professionals, caregivers, and leaders in society. Vedanta is as committed to safety too, for instance, with its entirely female Quick Response Team, Durga Vahini, which guards 38 oil fields in Rajasthan. By doing so, these women are not just defending critical national assets but also challenging gender norms in security.
Vedanta's drive for gender diversity is not just a challenge for the corporation — it is a social imperative and a strategic necessity. As India is poised to embark on a new age of industry and growth powered by minerals and sustainability, Vedanta makes sure that women are not merely included in its future — they are guiding its direction.
