New Delhi, 10 February 2026: On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in
Science (11 February), Vedanta Limited announced that women now account for over 35% of its
STEM fresher hiring, rising to 45% with leadership and management roles combined. Building
on this momentum, the company is targeting over 50% women hiring in STEM roles starting this
year.The milestone marks one of the most significant gender shifts in India’s metals, mining,
manufacturing and energy sector, industries that have historically been among the most male-
dominated globally.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,
the announcement comes at a critical juncture for India. While women constitute nearly 40–45%
of India’s STEM graduates, they represent less than 30% of the global STEM workforce,
according to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, with participation historically even lower in
sectors such as metals and mining, where representation has often remained in the single
digits globally.Vedanta’s progress demonstrates how sustained, industry-led action can help bridge the 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 growingpresence across the metals and manufacturing value chain.Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson, HindustanZinc 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. Frombeing 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 tolead.”Digital Transformation as an EqualiserA key enabler of this shift has been the adoption of advanced digital technologies acrossVedanta’s operations. Increased automation, real-time monitoring, standardised operatingprocedures 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 Vedanta’s commitment to equal opportunity and operational parityin 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 energytransition 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 forfull-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 forcaregiving 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 extendedstock option grants to women leaders across its businesses. By enabling equityparticipation, the Group is strengthening a sense of ownership, deeper alignment with valuecreation, 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. AtVedanta 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 andsustainability. Alongside technical delivery, they have also driven environmental initiatives suchas 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 andAishwariya assets in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin. Through advanced reservoir characterisationand proactive risk management, her team enabled real-time drilling decisions that shortenedwell depths by around 80 metres, delivering cost and time savings. Her work also helped maturefour out of six side-track well targets in the Mangala field, adding nearly 800 barrels of oil andsupporting production stability.Strengthening the Future Pipeline Through Social ImpactComplementing its workforce initiatives, Vedanta is strengthening the pipeline of future womenin science, engineering and technology through targeted social impact programmes acrossunderserved communities in its operational regions. Since 2021, STEM-focused initiativeshave reached over 50,000 women and girls, aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) andSDG 5 (Gender Equality).Programmes such as Unchi Udaan in Rajasthan have enabled first-generation learners likeNirma Kunwar from Debari, Udaipur, to secure admission to MNIT Jaipur in Civil Engineering,illustrating the transformative impact of sustained STEM interventions for girls.Through inclusive hiring, digital transformation, progressive workplace policies and deep-rootedcommunity investment, Vedanta is building an ecosystem where women in science are centralto India’s industrial growth, resource security and clean energy transition.
Vedanta Targets 50% Women in its Workforce, with 35% in STEM
