Tag International Women’s Day

New Delhi, 12 March: On International Women’s Day in New Delhi, a profound discussion themed “Women and Mental Health Summit & Awards” was orchestrated by Bharat Dialogues, featuring luminaries such as Dr. Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Dr. Ranjana Kumari director of the Centre for Social Research, along with distinguished psychiatrists like Dr. Neena Bohra, Dr. Sameer Parikh, Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, and Dr. Kamna Chhibber.

The discourse delved deep into various facets of women’s rights and mental well-being, honouring exceptional individuals and organisations for their commendable contributions in the field. Dr. Pratima Murthy, in her participation at the Bharat Dialogues event, emphasised the pivotal role that socio-economic factors play in nurturing the mental health of women in Indian society. She advocated for policy frameworks that exhibit heightened sensitivity towards women, recognising them as catalysts for change.

Dr. Ranjana Kumari, a revered activist for women’s rights and Director of the Centre for Social Research, highlighted the existing gender disparities in Indian society as impediments to the advancement of women’s mental well-being. In Indian society. Underscoring the dire need for heightened awareness and acceptance of mental health struggles among women, she said, “The response to mental health issues differs significantly based on gender within families. If a son faces such challenges, efforts are made to address and treat the issue promptly; however, the approach markedly changes when a daughter experiences similar struggles. Daughters are often dismissed with accusations of pretence, laziness, or reluctance to work, exacerbating their plight. Women and girls grappling with mental health concerns encounter unwarranted allegations and a lack of understanding.”

The Bharat Dialogues event saw a diverse participation encompassing not only advocates for women’s rights and mental health professionals but also mental health startups, NGOs dedicated to this cause across the nation, and Human Resources leaders from various companies. Enthusiastic engagement was also observed from students representing numerous colleges within Delhi University. Pooja Priyamvada, the co-founder of Bharat Dialogues, addressed the pressing mental health challenges engulfing India, particularly concerning women, lamenting the stagnant progress in this critical domain over recent decades. The dearth of collaboration among stakeholders in mental health has hindered advancements, prompting the initiative to facilitate a collaborative platform for diverse entities to converge and foster mutual support and innovative solutions.

Several commendable individuals and organisations were honoured during the event for their pioneering work in both mental health advocacy and women’s rights, including Amrit Bakshi, the esteemed former president of the Schizophrenia Awareness Association and the dedicated managing trustee of the Rehab Centre. In addition, various individuals and organisations were acknowledged for their significant contributions to the advancement of women’s and mental health. Notable honourees include Aparna Piramal Raje, the author of the renowned book “Chemical Khichadi” focusing on bipolar disorder, eminent TV journalist & CMD and Editor in Chief of Bharat Express News Network, Dr. Itisha Nagar, a former professor at Delhi University, prominent RJ Divya Vasudeva, and health journalist Nitendra Singh from DD News. Among the recognised organisations are Safety App, Menstruapedia, Impact and Dialogue Foundation, Protsahan India, Islamic Research Foundation, Swayam Foundation, Counsel India, Red Dot Foundation, Winni, Sangati Foundation, and Media Mantra.

Gurugram, 8th March 2024: Breakthrough, an organisation making gender-based violence unacceptable by transforming the culture that permits violence, celebrated International Women’s Day in six districts across Haryana including Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Gurugram. The week-long event, themed Steps Toward Equity – Let’s come together and start with equality, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and aimed to raise awareness about the challenges women and girls globally face.

Breakthrough collaborated with the Women and Child Development department of government of Haryana to organise a series of events such as community discussions, video screenings, and seminars on women’s rights and street plays. In addition, Breakthrough organized demonstrations at Gram Panchayat levels to highlight the barriers that stand in the way of women’s ambitions.

Arty Senior Manager and State Lead of Haryana, Program team, Breakthrough said “Even in today’s ever-changing world, it is evident that gender equality remains a significant concern. Girls are often held back from pursuing their aspirations due to a society that favours men. However, there is gradual progress as girls and women have begun to challenge these societal norms and redefine what is considered normal. In Haryana, we actively engage with over 100,000 girls and women to promote a shift in norms. It is a great joy to witness adolescent girls, along with their parents and other female stakeholders such as Sarpanch, Ward Panch, Aaganwadi workers, and ANMs, taking the initiative to drive discussions on gender norms and discrimination. These remarkable individuals are truly making a difference in their communities.”

Sub Division Officer Rajesh Kumar Soni from Haryana Civil Services emphasized that “education is the key to unlocking all avenues in society. Unfortunately, women’s rights are often neglected. However, both genders should have equal rights in society, and only education can pave the path.”

Mr. Surjeet, the Tehsildar of Bhorakalan village in the Pataudi block of Gurugram, says, “it is important to underscore the importance of collective responsibility in tackling challenges faced by girls. He advocated for a culture of zero tolerance towards violence and highlighted the need for seeking departmental support to address any such issues, fostering a proactive approach towards positive change.”

In Karnal, a seminar featuring a street play was organized at Government Women’s College in Basatada, Karnal district. Dr. Meenu Anand, head of the Women’s Cell, and Women Safety Officer Savita joined Sub Divisional Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Soni in support. Women’s Safety Officer Savita underscored women’s rights vigilance, while Sub Division Magistrate Rajesh Kumar Soni advocated for gender equality through education.

The celebration in Karnal was particularly noteworthy. A seminar featuring a street play was organised at Government Women’s College, where women’s rights vigilance and the significance of Women’s Day were emphasized. Furthermore, a rally featuring adolescents, youth, and women driving tractors, bikes, and cycles demonstrated the community’s resilience and determination to challenge gender norms and advocate for equality.

Women, teenage girls, and TCLs celebrated this occasion with a power walk, a Tata Motors movie screening, and interactive activities in the Faridpur community of Karnal. TCLs, Anganwadi workers, youth, and villagers gathered in the Pathargarh neighbourhood of Panipat to paint a wall, signifying their unification and appreciation of the sacrifices made by women.

In Gurugram, the TCLs initiated the festivities with a five-day theatre workshop, which concluded with a powerful performance. They also led the first Women’s Day Celebration in the Sidhrawali community, hosting shows across three Gram Panchayats. Participants engaged in a Signature Campaign, pledging their commitment to combat gender-based discrimination, symbolizing their dedication to the organization’s message.

Team Change Leaders organized the first Women’s Day Celebration in the Sidhrawali community, featuring six shows across three Gram Panchayats. Through captivating performances, the campaign aimed to inspire change and raise awareness. Breakthrough videos were showcased in the Harchandpur community, featuring motivational tales such as “Lal Lal Ankhiyo Se Ghuro Na Piya” and “Harshini Kanekar: Fire Fighter.” The celebration was further enriched with dancing, drumming, and a lively performance by our Rising Kishori group, symbolizing empowerment and unity. Breakthrough’s Women’s Day celebration served not only as a commemoration but also as a testament to the collective effort to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in the community. Through these diverse activities and engagements, Breakthrough continues to champion gender equity and inspire change in Haryana’s communities.

Lagu Bandhu, renowned for its unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless designs, proudly announces the launch of a special collection in honor of International Women’s Day. This exclusive selection features a stunning array of gold and diamond jewelry adorned with vibrant gemstones and pearls, tailored to celebrate the elegance and strength of women worldwide.

LAGU BANDHU

As advocates for empowerment and self-expression, Lagu Bandhu has meticulously curated each piece to resonate with the spirit of femininity. From delicate earrings to statement necklaces, the collection showcases the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation, providing women with a symbol of sophistication and grace.

“We are excited to present this collection, honoring the remarkable women who inspire us daily,” expressed Parag Lagu, director at Lagu Bandhu. “Each piece of the collection has intricate designs, reflecting the essence of womanhood, showcasing their inner beauty and strength.”

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Lagu Bandhu invites patrons to explore this exquisite collection, available at select boutiques and online stores. Whether as a gift for a loved one or a personal indulgence, these timeless creations offer a lasting tribute to the extraordinary women who enrich our lives.

As the world gears up to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is poised to have women comprise nearly a third of its workforce by the end of FY25. It underscores Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to fostering greater gender diversity while also marking a significant step in bridging the gender gap in the traditionally male-dominated metals and mining industry.

According to a report by the World Bank, women make up only 15% of the global mining workforce, with even lower representation in specific regions. In India’s metal and mining sector, their participation is dismally low as well, with women representing just 7.0% of all workers in the sector between 2010 to 2015. Despite efforts to increase female representation, progress has been sluggish due to entrenched biases and a lack of role models.

In a sector where women are vastly underrepresented, Vedanta Aluminium stands out as a beacon of progress. Today, women professionals comprise over 22% of the total number of employees at Vedanta Aluminium. This is among the highest in the industry, but the company is aiming even higher. It is challenging traditional gender biases head-on by creating an equitable working environment, as evident in its gender-agnostic roles based on merit, rich job content, and progressive workplace policies such as the introduction of night shifts for women.

These moves have helped Vedanta Aluminium build a cadre of pioneering women who are setting new benchmarks in India’s manufacturing sector. They are excelling across several core functions, such as mine operations, metal production, power generation, plant management, and asset security, challenging stereotypes on the way and reshaping conventional notions of their industry.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the company has rolled out the ‘Women Of Mettle’ series of short films as part of its ‘#TheFutureOfMetal’ campaign, which aims to encourage more women to explore fulfilling careers in the metals and mining industry. The films features young women professionals performing important roles during the night shift at Vedanta Aluminium.

Anjali Pawar, Head of Quality Assurance at Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), shares her experience, stating, “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.”

The company’s efforts come at a time when the metals and mining industry is undergoing a transformation, propelled by Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability practices. With increased automation and a focus on green solutions, the sector offers a diverse range of career options, making it an attractive choice for jobseekers of all 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, attests, “Venturing into the world of mineral exploration wasn’t just a career choice for me; it was a leap towards personal fulfilment. 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.”

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 has pioneered 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 acting as a catalyst for more women to aspire for equitable careers. Additionally, the company offers world-class living arrangements near its plants, fostering community cohesion and well-being among employees and their families. Moreover, Vedanta Aluminium has undertaken innovative recruitment efforts such as ‘Project Panchhi,’ which aims to empower young girls from marginalized rural communities, offering financial support for higher education and employment opportunities within the company.

Jepulina Borah, Assistant Manager, Vedanta Jharsuguda, Odisha is a business analyst at Vedanta Jharsuguda and doubles up as a crucial member of its all-women Agnivahini firefighting team. She adds, “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.”

Suprita Nanda, Head of Power Projects at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, Odisha, having been the first woman to join the Vedanta Jharsuguda team in 2004, emphasizes the importance of diversity: “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.”

As Vedanta Aluminium leads the charge towards a more inclusive industry, it serves as a beacon for companies worldwide. By empowering women and breaking barriers, the organization not only enriches its workforce but also propels innovation and progress in the metals and mining sectors.

Ms Priyanka Chigurupati,

Executive Director, Granules India Ltd

Hyderabad, 6th March 2024: Quote for International Women’s Day from Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Ltd.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize the strides we have made towards gender equality yet acknowledge that we have miles to go. In the pharmaceutical industry, we are at a pivotal moment where the underrepresentation of women, especially in leadership roles, highlights a deeper systemic challenge. It necessitates a collective shift in our approach, encompassing strategies, mentorship programs, and policies designed to empower women. At Granules, we are committed to driving workforce diversity, not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic investment in the future of our industry and the global economy. By fostering an inclusive environment, promoting work-life balance, and advocating for transparent promotion processes, we aim to dismantle barriers and create an inclusive landscape where every talented individual, irrespective of their gender, has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting women across their life stages and career paths is not just important—it’s essential for innovation, growth, and societal progress. We encourage others in the industry to develop more robust policies that will promote equality. Addressing these issues collectively will be fundamental for creating a thriving industry that values competence over gender.”

Ahead of International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, announced that it is on track to achieving a ratio of 30% women employees on its rolls by the end of FY25. Notably, the milestone is set to arrive 5 years sooner than the company’s stated target of 2030, with women professionals already comprising 22% of the total number of employees at Vedanta Aluminium. This is significant as women are most under-represented in the metals & mining industry worldwide.

It comes on the back of Vedanta Aluminium increasing the avenues for intake of women employees and broadening the number of opportunities available to them, such as those in the night shift. This is in turn supported by gender-agnostic roles with rich job content, a blend of progressive workplace policies, and a slew of world-class amenities. Together, they have led to a substantial increase in the number of women professionals opting to join the company, often in core functions such as smelting, mining, power generation, civil infrastructure, logistics, finance, asset security, and materials procurement.

Vedanta Aluminium has been actively working to address the gender gap in the metals and mining industry through equitable workplace practices. The sector is poised to become one of the prime drivers of India's economic growth. With the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, igitalization, robotics and automation which have largely negated the need for physically demanding efforts, the sector has become increasingly appealing to job-seekers. It now offers high-growth opportunities in modern manufacturing, energy transition, sustainability practices and the development of 'green' solutions for low-carbon economies. Together, they represent a plethora of fresh career options in an industry that is rapidly advancing with the times.

Highlighting the need for greater participation of women professionals in the industry, Mr. John Slaven, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium said, “As the world pivots to a low-carbon economy towards building a sustainable planet, the future is going to be metal-intensive. The global manufacturing industry must invest in women professionals to accelerate its evolution, which can only come about through improved diversity and inclusive practices. These offer us the advantage of benefiting from diverse perspectives, directly resulting in better decision- making, well-rounded offerings for diverse markets, and superior customer service.” Ms. Suneela MVS, Head – Project Management Office, Growth Projects, BALCO, said, “Working at Vedanta Aluminium offers women professionals the assurance of equal access to opportunities. This has been truly empowering in terms of encouraging me to advance my career and explore new ambitions.” Lt Col Hemant Raghav, Head – Plant Security, Vedanta Jharsuguda, added, “Women today are freer than ever to become accomplished at anything they set their minds to, whether as part of the armed forces or the manufacturing industry. By encouraging the wider industry to move its hiring lens to capability alone, Vedanta Aluminium provides women employees the springboard needed to advance their careers.”

Vedanta Aluminium offers supportive workplace policies such as a spouse hiring policy, a year-long sabbatical to help take care of infant children, and flexible working hours. Additionally, the company has introduced night shifts for women at its Odisha operations through the ‘Shree Shakti’ initiative, among the first in the state to do so. In addition to progressive policies, employees live in world-class townships offering all modern amenities within proximity to the plants. The townships have facilities such as schools, hospitals, day care centres, creches, places of worship, movie theatres, stadiums, recreation centres, gyms, and swimming pools – all of which support a vibrant family lifestyle.

Vedanta Aluminium is complementing these efforts with innovative recruitment initiatives such as ‘Project Panchhi’. The project seeks to transform the lives of 1000 young girls from marginalized communities across rural India, by offering them financial support in pursuing higher education and providing them with job opportunities at Vedanta upon successful completion.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

International Women’s Day calls for a celebration of not just strength but also the beauty that every woman carries within. This year, let’s turn the spotlight on self-care, exploring delightful DIY skincare and haircare rituals, complemented by product recommendations featuring natural ingredients that amplify your radiance.

Relaxing Facial Steam with Lavender: Begin your skincare journey with a calming facial steam infused with lavender essential oil. Boil a pot of water, add a few drops of lavender oil, and drape a towel over your head as you lean over the steam. Allow the aromatic vapors to envelop your face, promoting deep relaxation and opening pores for effective cleansing. Lavender’s soothing properties help ease tension, making it an ideal choice for this tranquil start to your self-care routine.
Nourishing Avocado Face Mask: Begin your self-care journey with a hydrating avocado face mask. Mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Avocado, rich in vitamins and fatty acids, moisturizes and nourishes the skin, while honey adds a natural glow. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Revitalizing Coffee Scrub: Wake up your skin with a revitalizing coffee scrub. Mix ground coffee with coconut oil for a natural exfoliant that boosts circulation and removes dead skin cells. The caffeine in coffee is known for its skin-tightening properties, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Soothing Green Tea Toner: Refresh your skin with a soothing green tea toner. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Use it as a toner by applying it to your face with a cotton pad. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
Calming Oatmeal Face Pack: Soothe your skin with a calming oatmeal face pack. Mix ground oats with yogurt and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Oats gently exfoliate, yogurt adds a cooling effect, and aloe vera provides a dose of hydration. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
DIY Coconut Milk Hair Mask: Indulge your hair with a luxurious coconut milk hair mask. Combine coconut milk with a tablespoon of honey and a dash of olive oil. Coconut milk hydrates and conditions, while honey and olive oil add shine and strengthen your locks. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes before washing it out.
Aromatic Hair Mask with Ylang-Ylang: Extend the pampering to your locks with an aromatic hair mask with ylang-ylang essential oil. Blend a natural hair conditioner with a few drops of ylang-ylang oil, known for its ability to balance oil production and enhance hair luster. Apply the mask generously, allowing the sweet and exotic aroma of ylang-ylang to transport you to a tropical paradise while the nourishing properties of the oil revitalize your hair from root to tip.
Honey and Yogurt Hair Conditioning Treatment: Treat your hair to a luscious honey and yogurt conditioning treatment. Mix equal parts honey and yogurt, applying the mixture from roots to tips. Honey’s humectant properties lock in moisture, while yogurt’s proteins strengthen the hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Strengthening Banana and Egg Hair Mask: For a powerful hair-strengthening treatment, whip up a banana and egg hair mask. Blend a ripe banana with an egg and a tablespoon of olive oil. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins, and natural oils, promoting elasticity and preventing breakage. The egg provides protein to fortify the hair shaft, and olive oil adds a nourishing touch. Apply the mask to damp hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Cooling Aloe Vera Scalp Treatment: Treat your scalp to a cooling aloe vera treatment to combat dryness and irritation. Mix fresh aloe vera gel with a few drops of tea tree oil. Aloe vera’s moisturizing properties soothe the scalp, while tea tree oil’s antifungal and antibacterial properties promote a healthy scalp environment. Apply the mixture to your scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
DIY Floral Infusion Bath: Indulge in a relaxing floral bath by adding fresh or dried flowers to your bathwater. Rose petals, lavender, or chamomile not only provide a delightful sensory experience but also have calming and skin-soothing properties.
Celebrate International Women’s Day by embracing the art of self-love, allowing these skincare and haircare rituals to amplify your natural glow and leave you feeling blissfully rejuvenated.