Vedanta Aluminium has launched the #TarakkiKiTaiyaari campaign ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, with a series of programmes planned across Odisha and Chhattisgarh through March.
The initiative includes expert sessions, health programmes, community outreach activities and employee-led engagements. Speakers such as Kiran Bedi and Arunima Sinha will interact with employees during the campaign.
The company said the programme highlights the role of women’s participation in sectors such as metals, mining and manufacturing. Women currently account for 21 per cent of Vedanta Aluminium’s workforce, and the company has set a target of reaching 30 per cent representation by 2030. It has also prioritised 50 per cent women hiring at entry-level roles.
Vedanta Aluminium has introduced several initiatives across its operations. These include the commissioning of an all-women-operated potline at its Jharsuguda facility, where more than 100 women have been trained for roles in smelting and production. The company has also deployed an all-women locomotive engine crew and expanded Agnivahini, its all-women firefighting squad, to more than 100 trained members.
At several facilities, women operate control rooms, and more women are entering technical roles at mining sites, including positions in mining engineering, digitalisation and automation.
Ghana Soudamini, deputy in-charge of the all-women potline at Jharsuguda, said, “Being part of India’s first all-women smelter line reminds me that no barrier is too strong to break. With the right mindset and strong company values behind you, growth becomes limitless. This journey has given me the courage to keep moving forward, and I hope it inspires other women to follow their dreams.”
Rajiv Kumar, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium, said, “Metals and mining will play a defining role in India’s low-carbon future, and it is essential that women are equal participants in shaping this transformation. At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just cultural values, but strategic strengths that make our business more innovative, resilient, and future-ready. ‘TarakkiKiTaiyaari’, aims at making the industry a preferred career destination for women. Our commitment to achieving 30% women’s representation by 2030 is a tangible step toward that vision.”
The campaign will run through March across company locations and neighbouring communities. Activities include sessions with women professionals, recognition events, town halls, cultural programmes, cancer awareness and mental wellbeing sessions, health camps and employee volunteer initiatives.
Community programmes at the Jamkhani, Ghogharapalli and Kuraloi mining locations will involve more than 1,700 women and include recognition of frontline health workers such as ASHA workers and members of self-help groups.
Premabati Majhi, ASHA worker from Bileinmunda village near the Ghogharapalli coal mine, said, “Vedanta Aluminium has been consistently supporting healthcare in our region, and we ASHA workers are helping take these interventions deeper into the grassroots. Being recognised for our efforts encourages us to continue serving our communities with even greater dedication.”
Vedanta Aluminium will also release a film on 8 March documenting its diversity initiatives.
