New Delhi: Vedanta has announced that women now account for over 35 per cent of its STEM fresher hiring, rising to 45 per cent when leadership and management roles are included. The company is targeting more than 50 per cent women hiring in STEM roles starting this year.The move signals one of the most significant gender shifts in India’s metals, mining, manufacturing and energy sectors — industries historically dominated by men. While women represent nearly 40–45 per cent of India’s STEM graduates, global participation in the STEM workforce remains below 30 per cent, with even lower representation in mining and metals.Expanding Women’s Role in Core OperationsVedanta has introduced women into underground mining and night shifts, and established all-women aluminium production lines and locomotive operations. According to Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc, expanding women’s participation in science and technology is central to India’s industrial growth ambitions.Across its businesses, women engineers and scientists are contributing to mining, metallurgy, environmental sciences, digitalisation and energy systems, strengthening domestic value chains and supporting the clean energy transition.Digital Transformation Driving InclusionThe company attributes much of this progress to automation, real-time monitoring systems and digital safety protocols, which have enhanced workplace predictability and safety. These measures have enabled operational parity, including night shifts for women across sites.Structured Talent and Retention StrategyVedanta’s talent strategy spans campus partnerships with all-women engineering colleges, leadership development platforms and progressive policies such as spouse hiring, childcare sabbaticals and flexible work provisions. Integrated townships near plant locations support long-term career continuity.To strengthen leadership retention, the Group has extended stock option grants to women leaders across businesses, encouraging long-term alignment and ownership.Impact on the GroundAt Vedanta Aluminium’s coal mines in Odisha, women geologists are contributing to exploration, geological modelling and mine planning. At Cairn Oil & Gas, data-led reservoir management initiatives have improved drilling efficiency and supported production stability in Rajasthan’s Barmer Basin.Beyond workforce initiatives, Vedanta’s STEM-focused social impact programmes have reached over 50,000 women and girls since 2021, reinforcing the pipeline of future talent.Through inclusive hiring, digital innovation and sustained community engagement, Vedanta is positioning women in science and technology at the centre of India’s industrial and energy transformation.