“We don’t just include women—we elevate them as central architects of transformation,” says Madhu Srivastava, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vedanta. With this powerful declaration, she encapsulates the company’s commitment to reimagining India’s industrial landscape. Vedanta has set a bold goal: by 2030, women will make up 30% of its workforce. But this is more than a number—it’s a mission to redesign the workplace so that ambition and personal life complement each other. Through progressive HR policies that remove invisible barriers, Vedanta is fostering a culture where women can thrive—at home and in the field.
In an industry historically dominated by men, Vedanta is setting a new benchmark. While the global average for women in leadership in metals and mining is a mere 8%, Vedanta has already reached 28%. The company is not just advocating inclusion—it is putting women at the forefront of India’s journey toward clean energy and critical mineral independence. Female leaders like Kavita Bhardwaj, Deputy CEO of Hindmetal Exploration, are leading national missions while balancing family life, thanks to Vedanta’s enabling environment. From operating the world’s largest aluminium potline in Jharsuguda exclusively with women to deploying all-women underground mine rescue teams in Rajasthan, Vedanta is redefining what leadership looks like.
Their policies are both visionary and grounded—from flexible working models and extended maternity leave to crèche support and spouse hiring. Integrated townships with schools and hospitals ensure women are supported not only as professionals but as whole individuals. Initiatives like the all-women Quick Response Team, Durga Vahini, show how rural women are taking charge of national security infrastructure. At Vedanta, women aren’t just participating in change—they are leading it, shaping a more inclusive and resilient India.
