Tata Steel has launched India's first all-woman shift at its Noamundi iron ore mine in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, marking a significant step towards creating an equitable workplace and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The all-women shift was flagged off on December 16, 2024, mentioning "This initiative, India's first, underscores the company's unwavering commitment to creating an equitable workplace and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated industries." The shift will handle all mining activities, including heavy earth-moving machinery, shovels, loaders, drills, dozers, and shift supervision.
Deputy Director-General Mines Safety (DGMS) South East Region, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Shyam Sundar Prasad, supported the all-woman shift emphasizing the commitment to a progressive workplace. He highlighted Tata Steel has embraced an all-woman shift in the mining industry, marking a significant step towards a more progressive workplace. The DGMS praised the government's commitment to a progressive workplace and Tata Steel's pioneering efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the mining industry. He praised Tata Steel's resilience and capability in breaking stereotypes in the industry.
Tata Steel, India's largest steel company, launched its "Women@Mines" initiative in 2019, deploying women in all shifts at its mines. The company then introduced the "Tejaswini" initiative, recruiting and training women from local communities to operate heavy earth-moving machinery. The "Tejaswini 2.0" program in 2021 further boosted the initiative, deploying women in various roles.
