Vedanta raises women’s representation target to 35%
• Launches #HerAtTheCore campaign inviting women to natural resources
7 March 2026: Marking International Women’s Day, Vedanta Group has raised its ambition to achieve 35% women representation across all levels of the organisation , while launching #HerAtTheCore, a nationwide campaign and LinkedIn-led hiring drive inviting women to build careers across mining, metals, oil & gas, power and technology.
The announcement comes against a stark industry backdrop. According to the Annual Survey of Industries in India, women accounted for around 18% of direct employment across industries in 2023–24, while in core sectors such as mining and metals, their share remains only about 6%.
HerAtTheCore campaign seeks to highlight the fact that India is entering a defining decade of industrial growth, powering the global energy transition, building EV supply chains, and strengthening its role in advanced manufacturing and technology. Metals, minerals, oil & gas, and power are crucial for the growth of these industries. And yet, women represent only about 6% of the workforce across core sectors that will build this future. For India’s economic aspirations to be realised, the industries powering them must reflect the full strength of the country’s talent pool.
At Vedanta, women today constitute 23% of the workforce, significantly above industry averages. Anchored in the message “6% isn’t enough and 23% is just the beginning ,” the #HerAtTheCore campaign highlights both the industry gap and the opportunity to reshape the future workforce of core industries.
Commenting on the initiative, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd. and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “India’s growth ambitions require the full participation of its talent pool. At Vedanta, women today represent 23% of our workforce but this is only the beginning. Our ambition is to grow to 35% and ultimately to 50%. We are not only increasing representation — we are redesigning systems, deploying advanced technologies and building life-stage support frameworks that enable women to thrive in core industries. #HerAtTheCore is both a celebration and a call to action. We encourage talented women across disciplines to join us and help shape the sectors that power the world.”
Technology as an Equaliser
A central pillar of Vedanta’s inclusion strategy is the use of advanced technology to create safer, skill-driven workplaces where performance is defined by capability, not gender. Today’s mining and metals operations are increasingly intellectually driven, with engineers managing complex processes through digital systems and real-time analytics, while heavy lifting is handled by advanced machinery and mechanised equipment. Automation, digital operations centres and remote monitoring have created a more level playing field for men and women alike.
Supporting Women Across Life Stages
Beyond recruitment, Vedanta focuses on long-term retention and growth through:
• Structured returnship programmes post maternity
• Flexible work arrangements and inclusive shift structures
• Spouse hiring policies in remote locations
• Leadership acceleration tracks for high-potential women
• Access to world-class integrated townships offering quality housing, healthcare, education, childcare, sports infrastructure and vibrant community life
From Campaign to Careers
The #HerAtTheCore campaign which is gaining momentum on social media invites women engineers, geologists, data scientists, operators and leaders to apply for roles across businesses of Vedanta Limited.
By combining visible role models with active recruitment, Vedanta aims to signal that core sectors are evolving — and women are central to India’s industrial future.
