Women In The Driver’s Seat

One wouldn’t picture women rail drivers shifting hot metal from blast furnaces to steel melting division. Yet that is what women workforce at JSW Steel are empowered to do. The steel major involves women in operations ranging from white- to blue-collar work. For example, the cut-to-length unit, which is meant for customers who directly want to use the plates with specified lengths and thickness, has all women managers, staff and operators; a pellet plant and continuous galvanising line has conversion into complete female workforce; and its electrical & mechanical maintenance of heavy-duty machineries is managed by female employees. 

Vishwajit Samant, Vice-President, HR, JSW Steel, shares that the organisation celebrates the success stories of women breaking stereotypes, their passion for work, their excellence on the job, the challenges they have faced and tips for other women to break through the glass ceiling. Discussions on career aspirations are fostered as part of an initiative called ‘springboard’. 

The wellbeing of employees is also given equal importance, through We-Care, a 24*7 free employee & family assistance for self-care, occupational wellness, and other related aspects. 

And there is a sincere effort to increase, in a phased manner, the strength of women in workforce by 20 per cent. 

The D&I initiatives of the organisation have positively impacted 300+ women employees on rolls, 1,000+ contractual employees (at the time of awards), as well as 10,000 women through township initiatives. And the Bhumika initiative has seen several women leaders and mentors emerging.

That, truly is a steely resolve for change. 

(This article appeared in August issue of BW People publication)