THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 10,
2026
On the eve of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science,
observed globally on 11 February, Vedanta Limited has announced a significant
milestone in its gender inclusion journey, with women now accounting for over
35 per cent of its STEM fresher hiring, rising to 45 per cent when leadership
and management roles are included. Building on this momentum, the company is
targeting over 50 per cent women hiring in STEM roles starting this year.
The achievement marks one of the most notable gender shifts within
India’s metals, mining, manufacturing and energy sectors — industries that have
traditionally been among the most male-dominated worldwide.
Aligned with the United Nations’ 2026 International Day of Women and
Girls in Science theme, which calls for accelerating gender equality in
scientific education, innovation and leadership, Vedanta’s announcement comes
at a critical juncture for India. While women make up nearly 40–45% of the
country’s STEM graduates, they constitute less than 30% of the global STEM
workforce, according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Representation has
historically been even lower in sectors such as metals and mining, where
participation has often remained in single digits globally.
Vedanta’s progress highlights how sustained, industry-led action can help
bridge the persistent gap between education and long-term scientific and
technical careers.
Redefining
Women’s Participation in Metals and Mining
Over the past few years, Vedanta has emerged as a sectoral outlier by
redefining women’s participation in core industrial roles. Its initiatives
across operations reflect women’s growing presence throughout the metals and
manufacturing value chain.
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson,
Hindustan Zinc Ltd., said, “Science and technology will shape India’s journey
towards a truly Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. At Vedanta, we believe this
future is built when talent grows together. From being the first in India to
send women miners underground and enable night shifts in mines, to building
all-women aluminium production line (potlines) and locomotives, we are
demonstrating what is possible. When girls see these pathways, they don’t just
choose STEM, they choose to lead.”
Digital
Transformation as an Equaliser
A key enabler of this shift has been the adoption of advanced digital
technologies across Vedanta’s operations. Increased automation, real-time
monitoring, standardised operating procedures and digital safety systems have
made metals and mining workplaces safer, more predictable and inclusive. These
advancements have also enabled night shifts for women across operations,
reinforcing the company’s commitment to equal opportunity and operational
parity in core industrial roles.
Across Vedanta’s businesses, women scientists, engineers and
technologists are increasingly shaping outcomes in mining, metallurgy, process
engineering, environmental sciences, digitalisation and energy systems. Their
work supports India’s self-reliance in critical minerals, metals and oil &
gas, strengthens domestic value chains, and contributes to the global energy
transition through innovation-led efficiency, decarbonisation and responsible
resource development.
Talent
Strategy across Life Stages
This progress is underpinned by a multi-pronged talent strategy spanning
early career entry, progression and long-term retention. Vedanta partners with
all-women engineering colleges for full-time and internship roles, offers
transparent career growth pathways, and runs leadership platforms that amplify
women role models in science and technology.
Supporting women across different life stages, the company has introduced
progressive policies such as spouse hiring to enable talent mobility, a
year-long childcare sabbatical for caregiving needs, and a ‘No-Questions-Asked’
work-from-home day each month focused on mental and physical well-being.
Integrated townships near plant locations further enable long-term careers
through access to schools, hospitals, daycare centres, recreational facilities
and a vibrant social ecosystem.
As part of its focus on long-term retention and leadership continuity,
Vedanta has also extended stock option grants to women leaders across its
businesses, strengthening a sense of ownership, alignment with value creation,
and sustained leadership commitment over the long term.
Success
Stories from the Field
Women scientists at Vedanta are already translating this vision into
measurable impact. At Vedanta Aluminium’s Jamkhani and Ghogharapalli coal mines
in Odisha, geologists Koyel Chatterjee, Bidisha Das and Pallavi Konch play
critical roles across exploration, geological modelling, mine planning and coal
quality management, strengthening both productivity and sustainability.
Alongside technical delivery, they have also led environmental initiatives such
as plantation programmes and digital integration.
At Vedanta’s Cairn Oil & Gas, Sulaxna, Geology & Geophysics Head
for Rajasthan North, is driving data-led decisions for optimal well placement
across the Mangala, Bhagyam and Aishwariya assets in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin.
Through advanced reservoir characterisation and proactive risk management, her
team enabled real-time drilling decisions that shortened well depths by around
80 metres, delivering significant cost and time savings. Her work also helped
mature four out of six side-track well targets in the Mangala field, adding
nearly 800 barrels of oil and supporting production stability.
Strengthening
the Future Pipeline Through Social Impact
Complementing its workforce initiatives, Vedanta is strengthening the
pipeline of future women in science, engineering and technology through
targeted social impact programmes across underserved communities in its
operational regions. Since 2021, STEM-focused initiatives have reached over
50,000 women and girls, aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5
(Gender Equality).
Programmes such as Unchi Udaan in Rajasthan have enabled first-generation learners like Nirma Kunwar from Debari, Udaipur, to secure admission to MNIT Jaipur in Civil Engineering, underscoring the transformative impact of sustained STEM interventions for girls.
Through inclusive hiring, digital transformation, progressive workplace policies and deep-rooted community investment, Vedanta is building an ecosystem where women in science are central to India’s industrial growth, resource security and clean energy transition.
